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.
