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Thursday, October 9, 2008
Buckeyes to face slumping QB
This was supposed to be the year Curtis Painter overtakes Drew Brees as the all-time Big Ten passing leader. But after a few rough outings, Painter instead is fighting for his job.
Purdue coach Joe Tiller said he doesn’t plan to make a quarterback change against Ohio State on Saturday, but Painter had better produce if he wants to stay in the game.
Senior back-up Joey Elliott saw some action in the Penn State loss last week. Painter, a four-year starter, was pulled after going 13-of-22 passing for just 112 yards with one interception.
Asked what he expects from his veteran, Tiller said: “I’d like him to deliver in the clutch. You can draw your own conclusions. I’m curious. I want to see how he snaps back from this. That will give us an indication of where he’s headed in the future, and where we’re headed.”
OSU coach Jim Tressel said on his call-in radio show Thursday that a QB change wouldn’t affect the Buckeyes’ defense because Purdue’s scheme would remain the same.
“I would think if Curtis comes in and plays solid, they’re not going to pull him. If he’d come in and make an error or two, that could happen,” Tressel said.
“(Elliott) is obviously very, very good. But I’m sure they’re over their hoping Curtis Painter has the game of his life.”
