This Date in College Football Belt History – September 6

September 6, 2003

San Diego State at Ohio State

The 1-0 San Diego State Aztecs of coach Tom Craft met the 2^nd ranked, 1-0 Ohio State Buckeyes of coach Jim Tressel in a game that tested the Buckeyes’ commitment to “Tressel Ball”.  The Buckeyes under Tressel had played a style of football that was dependent on a strong defense, excellent special teams, & an offense that did not turn the ball over.  The Aztec’s defense tested that game plan by keeping the Buckeyes’ offense out of the end zone but Ohio State still was able to find a way to win 16-13.  Buckeyes’ QB Craig Krenzel’s first play of the game resulted in an interception by San Diego State’s CB Jacob Elimimian that he returned 14 yards to Ohio State’s 23-yard line.  Four plays later, Aztec’s QB Matt Dlugolecki hit WR Wesley Williams for a touchdown & San Diego State had a 7-0 lead.  The Buckeyes responded with a 9-play, 33-yard drive resulting in a 38-yard field goal from PK Mike Nugent.  The Aztec’s were driving for another score when Ohio State’s All-American S Will Allen intercepted a Dlugolecki pass at the Buckeyes’ goal line & raced 100 yards for a touchdown giving Ohio State a 10-7 advantage.  San Diego State’s next drive also resulted in another Dlugolecki interception, this one by Buckeyes’ LB Robert Reynolds who returned it to the Aztec’s 23-yard line.  Nugent hit a 32-yard field goal this time as Ohio State took a 13-7 lead to halftime.  The 2^nd half saw both defenses take control of the game.  A fumble by Krenzel resulted in San Diego State getting a 47-yard field goal from PK J.C. Mejia for the only points of the 3^rd quarter but they still trailed 13-10 as the 4^th quarter started.  An Aztec fumble recovered by Ohio State’s DT David Patterson gave the Buckeyes the ball at the San Diego State 21-yard line but again the offense could not move so Nugent added his third field goal, this one from 35 yards, giving Ohio State a 16-10 lead.  Following the Buckeyes’ field goal, the Aztecs were able to put together their longest drive of the half, 8 plays over 58 yards but a sack by Buckeyes’ LB Bobby Carpenter forced the Aztecs to settle for a 46-yard field goal by Mejia making the score Ohio State 16, San Diego State 13.  The Aztecs didn’t threaten again as Ohio State escaped with a much tighter than expected win.  San Diego State actually outgained the Buckeyes 216 to 196 but it was defense & special teams that spelled the difference.  Krenzel was held to 76 yards passing on just five completions while Buckeyes were held to just 120 yards rushing.  Dlugolecki threw for 189 yards but was sacked three times & intercepted twice while All-MWC RB Lynell Hamilton was held to 73 yards rushing.  Ohio State’s defense held the Aztecs to 28 yards rushing & All-Big Ten LB A.J. Hawk had four tackles with two sacks.  Ohio State finished the season 11-2; ranked 4^th nationally while the Aztecs finished 6-6.  San Diego State has not played for The Belt again.

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