Tuesday, October 31, 2000
Cooper might change quarterbacks
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — Steve Bellisari's job security depends on whom you talk to at Ohio State.
After losing two of the last three games, coach John Cooper said he wouldn't eliminate the possibility of taking a look at backups Scott McMullen or Craig Krenzel working with the 16th-ranked Buckeyes' first-team offense.
“I'd consider that. Absolutely,” Cooper said Monday. “If I thought that would help us win a game, I'd do it in a minute.”
The Buckeyes are 6-2 heading into Saturday's game at home against Michigan State — but not because of their offense. They are eighth in the Big Ten in rushing yardage and sixth in passing.
A closer look shows Ohio State is last in the league in first downs and next to last in time of possession.
However offensive coordinator Chuck Stobart said even though Bellisari is responsible for some of the problems with Ohio State's occasionally punchless offense, he's still the best the Buckeyes have at the position.
He said if the coaches felt it was Bellisari's fault that the offense has been ineffective at times, they wouldn't have a problem making a change.
But Stobart said that isn't the case.
“Until you decipher down to the point where the problem lies on his shoulders, then I don't know if anybody else would do any better,” Stobart said.
Bellisari is completing 53.3 percent of his passes, but was just 11-for-28 for 130 yards in a stunning 29-17 loss at home to Minnesota two weeks ago.
In Ohio State's four possessions of the final period in Saturday's loss to Purdue, Bellisari was a combined 1-for-5 passing for 10 yards and was sacked twice.
Sports Stories
Reds have until Wednesday to woo Piniella
Reds to pay $1.8M for Taubensee
Bengals look to settle score
Sellout not expected
Last in passing, best in rushing
Said the Ravens: Can we score?
Cooper might change quarterbacks