As a freshman, Ohio State running back Brandon Saine was a big part of Ohio State’s game plan in the Superdome. Maybe he can recapture some of that spark as a senior in his return.
New Orleans -- The potential of Brandon Saine flashed in the Superdome three years ago. Now entering his final college game, once again in the Superdome, the Ohio State senior running back isn't going to live up to all that potential. But he could still hit Arkansas for a few big plays.
As a freshman in the BCS title game against Louisiana State, Brandon Saine (above) had some big plays for the Buckeyes. As he prepares for the final game of his OSU career, also at the Superdome, Saine is hoping to have another big effort in New Orleans.Like maybe with a wheel route out of the backfield, one of the ways he hurt LSU in that national title game, when he caught three passes for 69 yards, including a 44-yarder on the first play of Ohio State's second drive.
"That's always available," Saine said with a smile Thursday.
Saine's role has decreased as Dan Herron seized the job over the second half of the season. In the past seven games, Saine has a combined 22 carries for 129 yards and 13 catches for 120 yards, an average of 36 total yards per game. But as teams tweak their offenses during bowl practice, throwing in a few new looks, Saine always seems like the perfect guy with which to try something fresh.
"I personally think that would be a good way to go," Saine said. "But I think we have a great game plan going in. I just want to play my part and help out on special teams like I have been and bring home a win."
At least Saine understands the possibilities now. As a freshman, he didn't comprehend the role he would play in the Buckeyes' 38-24 loss to LSU.
"I was just out there running plays in practice, and then I was definitely excited and nervous when they called it," Saine said. "But I don't have all good memories from that. I kind of walked off the field in a bad mood. But as a positive, I was able to do certain things I can look back on and learn from."
The memories returned when the Buckeyes practiced in the Superdome on Thursday, their first trip back since that loss on Jan. 7, 2008. Saine said the seniors who were part of that loss had it worse Thursday, while the younger Buckeyes didn't have to relive the history. "But it kind of came full circle," Saine said. "I think it's a great place to end my Ohio State career."
Tressel's rumor: Talking about a Christmas Day rumor on one blog that caused Ohio State to come out with a denial that Jim Tressel was leaving, the OSU coach, speaking about it for the first time Thursday, said, "It's not true at all. . . . The rumor is a waste of time but this world is an ever-evolving waste of time. I don't know when people have time to spend so much time reading all this stuff. It's amazing how much stuff is out there. The rumor is not true but it's part of the deal."
Tressel said he believed the word was started by other schools recruiting players interested in Ohio State.
Nickel package: Ohio State freshman defensive back Christian Bryant hasn't played since a foot infection that worsened during the Wisconsin game required a lengthy hospital stay and surgery. But Bryant has been back out there during bowl practice and should work into the game plan against Arkansas.
Bryant was the fifth defensive back, or the star, in the nickel package before he went down. Ohio State tried a couple of different looks in his absence, including putting Travis Howard on the field in those situations with Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence and playing three true cornerbacks.
Cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson said Thursday that the Buckeyes will use two looks in their nickel package against Arkansas -- one with Howard and one with Bryant. But it sounds like starting safety Jermale Hines won't see action at the star, as he also did at the end of the season.