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Tiller set for one last game in his home state
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What's brewing today with the Ohio State Buckeyes:
Buckeyes buzz
It'll likely be a special day when Purdue coach Joe Tiller coaches in his home state for the final time Saturday, Oct. 11.
Tiller, who will be 66 years old on Pearl Harbor Day, was born in Toledo, attended Rogers High School and then went on to play at Montana State University. He was an assistant at his alma mater, Washington State (twice), Calgary of the Canadian Football League and Purdue before becoming one of the first head coaches to feature the spread offense at Wyoming (1991-96) and then Purdue (1997-present).
"He came in and spread it out and a lot of people have followed suit," coach Jim Tressel said.
A quick wit and football innovator, Tiller will be sorely missed in a conference dominated by dry, humorless head coaches who have little perspective beyond a film room or a sideline. He plans to retire at the end of this season.
"Joe's just a regular guy," Tressel said. "It's going to be an exciting day for him to be coaching his last game here. He's been great for the game. He's honest as the day is long. He's just been a great thing for college football."
Honored guests
Ohio State's honorary captain for the Purdue game is DB Donte Whitner, on a bye week from the Buffalo Bills. Also joining the team on the bench is Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, a member of the Wounded Warriors who was the featured speaker at the spring coaches' clinic.
Daniels improving
Ohio State QBs coach Joe Daniels, who lost a kidney to cancer, said he's feeling good these days. He missed all of spring practice while he recovered. Now he has returned to the team in a full-time role.
"I think what happens, I probably get more exhausted than the other guys, although they're tired, too," he said.
