Terrelle Pryor throws TD, but can't run wild in Ohio State scrimmage

So Pryor was OK on Saturday in the Buckeyes' preseason scrimmage, but he did enough to help the Ohio State offense defeat the defense, 53-48, in Jim Tressel's scrimmage scoring system, pulling out a victory and the right to wear the coveted scarlet jersey during practice this season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Wearing a black, no-contact jersey, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor may never be a scrimmage star. He's not himself, his ability to run taken away, the defense able to get a play blown dead and a sack called just by touching him.

"I wouldn't say it's the full picture," OSU offensive tackle Andrew Miller said. "I think you see more athleticism when he's not wearing black."

So Pryor was OK on Saturday in the Buckeyes' preseason scrimmage, but he did enough to help the Ohio State offense defeat the defense, 53-48, in Jim Tressel's scrimmage scoring system, pulling out a victory and the right to wear the coveted scarlet jersey during practice this season. In about 140 plays -- spread equally among the first, second and third teams -- the offense scored just one touchdown, a 25-yard pass from Pryor to No. 3 receiver Taurian Washington. But the offense also turned the ball over just once, after tailback Brandon Saine bobbled a pitch and linebacker Andrew Sweat recovered the fumble. None of the quarterbacks threw an interception.

Tressel, calling it only a "nuisance" now, said Pryor doesn't mind the no-contact rules as much as he used to. Tressel was more concerned about Pryor overall through 20 of the scheduled 29 practices during camp.

"He knows when the day comes he gets to wear the normal jersey, it might be a little like freedom," Tressel said. "But . . . I think he's had a great preseason."

Here are 10 thoughts on what happened in the scrimmage in Ohio Stadium, always viewed as the most important day of the preseason.

1. Pryor's good and bad: Unofficially, Pryor was 10-for-22 for 146 yards and one touchdown, with two passes dropped and another three thrown out of bounds to avoid pressure. He nearly had a throw intercepted in the end zone on a bad decision as he rolled right, but also hit tight end Jake Stoneburner down the seam for a 25-yard gain and made a nice throw on the touchdown.

2. Injuries: Five defensive starters missed all or most of the scrimmage: defensive end Nathan Williams, cornerbacks Devon Torrence and Chimdi Chekwa, safety Orhian Johnson and linebacker Ross Homan. Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward also went to the sidelines about halfway through, and starting receiver Dane Sanzenbacher sat out as well. Tressel said all of the injuries other than Williams' were minor and those players would be ready now for a real game. And Tressel said Williams, who hurt his left knee last Saturday, could be ready for the opener against Marshall on Sept. 2.

3. The lone touchdown: Washington dropped a pass earlier in the day, but caught this bullet over the middle from Pryor. Since he can't run, Pryor stepped up nicely in the pocket on this throw after the play began by looking like the option. Miller said Pryor has been better at that all camp.

"He's done a really good job at becoming a quarterback and stepping up in the pocket," Miller said. "Our job as an offensive line is easier because there's more traditional pass protection."

4. Less traditional: Pryor still won't be a typical quarterback. On a third-down shotgun snap over his head, Pryor tracked the ball down and wound up running 30 yards for the 12-yard gain and a first down. Something like that should still happen at least once a game.

5. Sweat vs. Sabino: Earlier in camp, Andrew Sweat doubted he would red-shirt, and Tressel explained Saturday that the junior linebacker is just too good for that, because the 2010 Buckeyes need him. He could start. Sweat worked more with the first team at strongside linebacker than Etienne Sabino, the favorite to start entering camp. Homan said that fight has been on for three weeks. Sweat looks like the winner.

6. Bellamy shines: Finding depth on the defensive line has been a topic all camp. A standout Saturday was red-shirt freshman Adam Bellamy from Aurora High, who was in on three sacks, while fellow second-teamers Garrett Goebel, a red-shirt sophomore, and true freshman Johnathan Hankins also played well. Bellamy also worked with the first team after Heyward went out and had great penetration on Saine's fumble.

7. Left tackle battle: No news here. Mike Adams and Miller continue to share the spot, and while Adams played more with the first team Saturday, that was due in part to Miller dealing with an elbow injury.

8. That's Philly Brown: Ohio State has two Corey Browns, a red-shirt freshman defensive back from the Pittsburgh area and a true freshman receiver from Philadelphia. Both played a lot Saturday, but it's Philly Brown that continues to turn heads with his raw speed and quick ability to pick up the offense. Tressel said he and Jordan Hall should be part of the punt return game as much as veterans DeVier Posey and Sanzenbacher, and the Buckeyes seem to like to use Brown on receiver sweeps.

9. Jordan Hall: The prospect of Brown and Hall back on punts should entice fans, while Hall continues to look good almost every time he touches the ball, with his moves and vision out of the backfield. Saine and Dan Herron still work with the first team, but on the second team, Hall carried 10 times for 40 yards, and Jaamal Berry had a few nice moments running the ball as well.

10. Posey pluck: No. 1 receiver Posey had five catches for 65 yards, his best a leaping sideline grab when he snagged the ball right over the head of cornerback Travis Howard. Posey is still Pryor's favorite target, and that play helped show why.