Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Buckeye receiver has big day in return home

TAMPA -- There were not many bright spots for Ohio State's offense during the first 21/2 quarters Tuesday. Which is why Buckeyes receiver and former Leto star Mike Jenkins seemed to shine. Not that he would have paled otherwise. Jenkins found ways to connect with the initially shaky Steve Bellisari and caught eight passes for a game-high 152 yards. "I know all the guys came ready to play," Jenkins said. "I guess I just wanted to have a great showing today playing in front of a home crowd."

Jenkins, who graduated in 2000 as one of Florida's top-rated players, finished the season as the Buckeyes' top receiver with 41 catches for 836 yards and 3 touchdowns.

He caught a 34-yarder in a third-and-24 situation during the third quarter and a 35-yarder on third and 17 during the fourth. Both led to touchdowns.

Jenkins' effort couldn't carry the Buckeyes to victory, but he said he had no complaints.

"I'm so proud of our guys as they stuck with it and never quit," Jenkins said. "We simply came out flat, and I don't know what caused it."

CRUTCHES TO CATCHES: Gamecock team MVP and leading receiver Brian Scott left Wednesday's practice hobbling on crutches from a knee sprain. Entering the game, his status was questionable. But he showed no signs of pain as he had seven catches for 83 yards. He scored the second touchdown of the game -- a 7-yard pass from Phil Petty -- which was set up by his 30-yard catch. "Being both team MVP and co-captain, I just wanted to go out and show my teammates that I'm definitely on," Scott said. "I made some plays early on in the game. I just wanted to win the game."

Last week, Gamecocks coach Lou Holtz said he was concerned about players adjusting to the loss of Scott and not getting the practice they would need at their usual positions should Scott return.

But Petty said he was counting on Scott's return.

"He knew what he had to do," Petty said. "He set the standard."

FOR THE RECORD: Special teams provided highlights other than the winning field goal by Daniel Weaver. Gamecocks punter Tyeler Dean set an Outback Bowl record with a 70-yard punt. The Buckeyes' Andy Groom (67 yards) also beat the record of 62 set by Syracuse's Cooper Gardiner in 1989. ... After beating Ohio State in the Outback Bowl last season, South Carolina has won back-to-back bowl games for the first time in its 108-year history. ... The Buckeyes are 0-7 against SEC teams.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright