By Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel gives pointers during practice Friday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

COLUMBUS - All-American kicker Mike Nugent hit the winning field goal in Ohio State's kicking-game scrimmage Friday, lifting the Scarlet over the Gray 21-18 before 2,500 fans at Ohio Stadium.

But he was so disappointed with his overall effort, he joined his losing teammates in the 1-mile trek to the Hayes Athletic Center.

Nugent, who set a school record last season with 25 field goals in 28 attempts, had as many misses in the hour-long scrimmage.

He finished 4-of-7, hitting from 33 yards (twice), 39 yards and 41 yards. He botched back-to-back tries from 36 and 38 yards, and capped the day with a 36-yard miss.

Hoofing it, he said, was the least he could do. "I owe that to my teammates today," Nugent said. "It wouldn't have been a three-point game if I would've hit those three that I missed."

The loss of former All-American punter and holder Andy Groom was apparent as the Bucks struggled to establish kicking consistency.

"I don't think we had good rhythm," coach Jim Tressel said. "I think when the rhythm was good with the snap, our kicks were fine. But when the snaps were just a little off one way or the other, or the holder didn't put it down as clean . . . I think we'll find that'll be the common thread."

Roger Bacon graduate and left-footed kicker B.J. Sander made his debut as the heir apparent to Groom's punting and holding duties.

His punting didn't disappoint. The crowd cheered for Sander's seven punts, including his three kicks of more than 50 yards.

"I just wanted to come out and show what I had. I felt good hitting the ball, and I've been hitting the ball good all spring," Sander said.

Sander's opening punt was his shortest, about 40 yards.

"I thought his first (punt) wasn't quite as good, but I thought after that he hit them very, very well," Tressel said. "He had outstanding hang time."

Holding was another story. Sander struggled with miscues and bobbled snaps the entire scrimmage and said holding is something he needs to work on.

Tressel said such problems are to be expected as the team contends with lineup tuneups and the spring's first exposure to live kicking-game situations.

The Gray team - anchored by backup placekicker Josh Huston, who was also a holder - scored all its points from field goals.

The Scarlet scored the scrimmage's only touchdown. A blocked punt on the 21-yard line was deflected to Michael Jenkins, who ran it in for the Scarlet's first points.

Nugent's final field goal gave the Scarlet a 21-9 edge. The Gray scored three more times but fell short of tying the game.

SHOW STOPPER: Tressel said one of the day's highlights was coach Richard McNutt's surprise reverse call on a punt return. Chris Gamble fielded a punt and handed off to Drew Carter, who cut left and cruised about 50 yards before he was stopped by the Scarlet.

RING THING: The Buckeye seniors received their BCS rings Friday before the scrimmage, which was taped by ESPN's College Game Day. The rest of the team received rings after the scrimmage.

CLARETT WATCH: Tailback Maurice Clarett could be participating in spring practices as early as Monday, but only to weight-lift, Tressel said. Clarett, who is recovering from a shoulder stinger, watched Friday's scrimmage from the sidelines.

SPRING GAME: Tickets are still available for the annual Scarlet and Gray spring game April 26. The $5 tickets are available by calling (800) GO-BUCKS or on the Web (www.hangonsloopy.com) .