By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Craig Krenzel did some light tossing Tuesday, his first time throwing a football since injuring his elbow Sept. 13, but his availability for Ohio State's game against Northwestern Saturday probably will be a game-time decision.

The senior quarterback first tossed Monday with tennis balls, then took "20 to 30" short throws with a football Tuesday in a drill outside of practice, he said. He has sprains of a ligament and tendon in his right (throwing) elbow.

"It felt all right, but how it feels today isn't as important as how it feels tomorrow," he said. "I'd really like to practice a little bit tomorrow, practice a little bit Thursday and play a little bit Saturday."

Scott McMullen is likely to make his second straight start at QB.

Krenzel said there is no timetable for his return, but with a lightweight opponent this week followed by a bye week, it's clear he and OSU are focusing most on the Oct. 11 game at Wisconsin. Krenzel called resting until that game "probably the best-case scenario."

"The risk of not being 100 percent and going out there and throwing it hard at this point isn't worth another four weeks (off)," he said.

Coach Jim Tressel was complimentary of the job McMullen did Saturday against Bowling Green.

"He played solid," Tressel said. "He looks like a guy that can contribute what we need from that position."

INJURY UPDATE: Center Alex Stepanovich (ankle) is questionable and defensive tackle Darrion Scott (ankle) is doubtful to play Saturday. Branden Joe, who started six games at fullback last season, will make his first appearance after being out with a torn pectoral muscle.

Tressel said Stepanovich may move to guard so Nick Mangold, who has filled in for him at center, can remain there. A candidate to come out of the starting lineup is guard Bryce Bishop.

LOCAL WILDCAT: Zach Strief, a sophomore from Milford High, starts for Northwestern at right guard.

GAME TIME CHANGE: The game Saturday will kick off at 12:02 p.m., a change from the earlier announced time of 12:10. It is sold out.

TICKET UPDATE: As of Tuesday afternoon, 1,500 tickets remained for OSU's game Oct. 25 at Indiana. They are $41 apiece (limit of four). Call 1-800-GO-BUCKS.

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com