The most popular guy in town is always the backup quarterback.
Such is the case at Ohio State, where coach Jim Tressel was asked on Tuesday if there was a scenario where he would relieve freshman Terrelle Pryor with senior and former starter Todd Boeckman.
With the Ohio State offense sputtering -- the Buckeyes are last in the Big Ten in passing and next to last in total offense – some have surmised that Boeckman could energize the passing game. But Tressel remains committed to playing Pryor. Boeckman has not played in either of the last two games against Wisconsin or Purdue.
"I haven't determined that that was the right moment (or) situation," Tressel said.
When asked what would precipitate a substitution, Tressel said, “You'll know the moment it happens. I'm being honest with you.”
He added, “Would I love to have Todd having some snaps in the game? Obviously. Because Todd's a great kid and you would love to have him have opportunities. Do I think Terrelle is improving? I think he's learning every day.”
On Tuesday, reporters asked OSU players for their take on the offense and the quarterback situation. Tight end Jake Ballard said Boeckman and Pryor could go back to sharing the job.
"The senior leadership that Todd brings to the table and just how he commands the huddle would definitely help us out," Ballard said. "And he could make some big throws for us. ... I don't think a two-quarterback system would be a bad idea.
"It's frustrating. Everybody thinks it's frustrating. But we're not worried about it as much as maybe others are because we know it's things that we can change, to turn around the way the season is going right now."
Offensive tackle Alex Boone said he has admired the way Boeckman has handled the demotion.
“He stepped up and did a great job,” Boone said. “You lose your job to a freshman and it’s kind of like, ‘What are you going to do from here?’ You can go way down or you can help him out and help the team out. I’m proud of the way he has handled it.
“Behind closed doors, he has been like, ‘Terrelle is a great quarterback and I’m trying to help him any way I can.’ ”
When asked if he thought Boeckman could help the Buckeyes on the field, Boone said, “Absolutely. He’s been doing a great job in practice. If he were to be thrown back into a game, I think he would step right in there. He’s a rock. It would be great to see him back in there. I think he’d do a good job.”
Boone was then asked if he thought Boeckman should get more playing time.
“I can’t answer that,” Boone said. “That’s up to Tress. He’s a great quarterback. I think if they want to put him in there, he would do a good job.”
We have seven minutes of audio with Boeckman, who was available to the media for the first time away from a postgame session since his demotion.
He talked about his reaction to the move, Pryor’s play as the starter, what Tressel and the coaches have said to him, his NFL draft prospects, the support of his teammates, what could lead him back into the lineup and much more. Here is the audio link:
http://www.bucknuts.com/audio/boeckman10-14-08.wav
