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Monday, September 8, 2008
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Football: Boo replaces Scott with mixed results

Published: Monday, September 8, 2008

Steve Gartner / Staff Writer / sg503405@ohiou.edu
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Brock Fowler / For The Post / bf278107@ohio.edu
Ohio backup quarterback Boo Jackson runs the ball in the first half of the Bobcats’ game against the Buckeyes Saturday.

Boo Jackson had a sense of deja vu for the second consecutive week.

The junior quarterback, who was thrust into last weekend’s game against Wyoming because of an injury to Theo Scott, was asked to play more than just a series with Scott sidelined for the game with an injured left shoulder.

“It was just like last week,” Jackson said. “There’s a big rush coming out here and playing at the Horseshoe.

“Once I stepped on the field, I see the thousands of people screaming, so it got my blood going. Once I got in there, I just wanted to shine.”

Coach Frank Solich said he was not worried about Jackson taking the helm at quarterback.

“We have a lot of confidence in Boo,” Solich said. “He has really progressed offensively in what we’re doing. There’s not a coach or player on our team that doesn’t believe in him or his ability to get the job done.”

Jackson, who said he never had played anywhere comparable to Ohio Stadium, finished 9-of-25 passing for 86 yards and three interceptions.

He did engineer an 11-play, 72-yard drive to give the Bobcats a 7-3 lead with 6:56 to play in the second quarter. On that drive, Jackson converted three consecutive third-and-long attempts, one of which was a 30-yard pass to receiver Taylor Price.

“It’s a rush for a quick second,” Jackson said. “But, once I got the ball, it’s over.”

Jackson was also effective running out of the pocket, tallying 55 yards on the ground. Known to be more of a pocket passer, Jackson credited the offensive line with giving him time to make decisions on the go.

“I was a little intimidated at first, but once I got set in the pocket I thought, ‘They got my back, I got their back,’” Jackson said. “Once I stepped up in the pocket I could run out and find some receivers. Their play was outstanding.”

With Ohio holding a 14-6 lead over the No. 3-ranked Buckeyes in the third quarter, Jackson said he was just trying to not commit any miscues that could alter the game.

“Obviously I try to limit the mistakes,” Jackson said. “As a quarterback you don’t want to get down on yourself, but it’s kind of hard not to when you don’t have them in the first half and fall apart in the second.”

Jackson took ownership for those three mistakes, including an interception by James Laurinaitis that killed a 40-yard drive in the fourth quarter.

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Kyle Grantham / Staff Photographer / kg116806@ohiou.edu
Ohio running back Donte Harden breaks into the end zone to score the first touchdown for the Bobcats against Ohio State.
View larger photo.
Brock Fowler / For The Post / bf278107@ohio.edu
Malcolm Jenkins says a prayer for the Ohio State and Ohio football teams following Ohio’s 26-14 loss.

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