TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Jim Tressel coaches his first bowl game at Ohio State on New Year's Day when the 23rd-ranked Buckeyes stage an encore performance with No. 14 South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.
New Year's Day 2001 began with a seemingly disinterested group of Buckeyes losing to the Gamecocks, 24-7. Coach John Cooper, who lost for the eighth time in 11 bowl games, was fired the next day.
"We didn't play well down there last season so this is a chance for us to hopefully redeem ourselves," said linebacker Joe Cooper.
Tressel guided the Buckeyes to a 7-4 record, which
appeared a lot better to Ohio State fans since it included a 26-20 win over archrival Michigan. Tressel also has handled his first crisis, suspending quarterback Steve Bellisari following his arrest on drunken driving charges in November.
Bellisari did not play in the final two games against Illinois and Michigan, but he has been reinstated and is expected to play at least part of the Outback Bowl.
Craig Krenzel started against Michigan and is listed at the top of the depth chart.
Tressel still will rely heavily on an offensive line that opened the door for Jonathan Wells, who finished the regular season with five straight 100-yard rushing games.
On defense, the Buckeyes will be without cornerback Derek Ross, who underwent shoulder and toe surgery and will enter the NFL draft.
The Buckeyes will pay close attention to Ohio native Ryan Brewer, who accounted for 219 all-purpose yards and scored all three South Carolina touchdowns in last year's Outback Bowl.
Brewer has been used primarily as a receiving threat this season, with 35 catches for 335 yards. He played last season in place of the suspended Derek Watson, who this year has combined with Andrew Pinnock for 1,164 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
With Ross out of the lineup, South Carolina could throw the ball more although Phil Petty has had a mediocre season with 10 TD passes and six interceptions.
South Carolina (8-3) split its final six games under coach Lou Holtz after a 5-0 start.
The Gamecocks lost their first eight bowl games before defeating West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl following the 1994 season. Their only other bowl game since then was last season.
