OSU freshman rushes for 144 yards

COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The lack of an efficient ground game reared its ugly head as IU was out-rushed by Ohio State, 282 yards to the Hoosiers' 53 yards, in a 30-7 loss to the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.\nThe Ohio State rushing attack was led by true freshman running back Antonio Pittman, who got extended playing time after senior running back Lydell Ross was suspended for breaking team rules. Pittman rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown in Ross' absence.\nIU's attempt at a rushing game garnered more frustration than yards as the Hoosiers managed only a yard and a half per carry all day.\nHoles that appeared to be open were quickly filled with scarlet-clad defenders; 13 times IU either rushed for no gain or were thrown back for a loss.\nThe speed of the OSU defense and lack of a ground game resulted in a bad mix for the Hoosiers, said IU coach Gerry DiNardo.\n"We have struggled most of the year (in the running game)," DiNardo said. "We are trying to devise some ways to generate a running attack."\nThe Buckeyes had no problems establishing a running game. They had 11 plays of 10 yards or more, the Hoosiers had just two.\nThis isn't the first time in recent memory that a freshman running back from OSU has had his way with the Hoosiers.\nIn 2001, Ross, at just 17-years old, rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns, keying the win for the Buckeyes 27-14.\nIn 2002, it was much of the same, as former OSU running back Maurice Clarett gained 104 yards and punched the ball in the end zone three times in a 45-17 rout in Ohio Stadium.\n"We knew what to expect, we made too many mistakes. When you try to do more than your job that is what happens," said senior safety Herana-Daze Jones, who led the Hoosiers with 14 tackles. "They broke a lot of tackles and they weren't going down on the first hit."\nWhile the Buckeyes had success with multiple players running the ball, IU's success was limited to one player, junior Chris Taylor. Taylor, who had been used in a limited role throughout much of the season, came through rushing for 40 yards on seven carries, averaging nearly six yards a run. Starting running back sophomore BenJarvus Green-Ellis didn't have as much success, managing just 15 yards on the afternoon.\nWith the game well in hand, the Buckeyes continued their rushing attack on the Hoosier defense. With a steady rain beginning to fall with five minutes left in the game, Pittman capped off his day with a 28-yard scamper down the left side in front of what was left of the Homecoming crowd of 104,538.\n"That touchdown run in the fourth quarter felt so good and that is why I dove in the end zone," Pittman said. \nGetting everyone in the same mindset will help with the problems the Hoosiers have suffered during their five-game losing streak, Taylor said.\n"We just need to come together as a team -- linemen and running backs we need to get on the same page and we'll be alright," Taylor said.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.