Ginn makes big plays, ends season with flair
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Ken Gordon , Tim May and Aaron Portzline
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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TEMPE, Ariz. — Upon reaching the end zone last night after one of his typically circuitous journeys, Ted Ginn Jr. held the ball out in front of him, as if to say, "Lookie here, don’t forget about me."
The Ohio State receiver/returner might have taken himself out of the Heisman Trophy race early in his sophomore season, but he certainly ended it with an awardworthy flourish.
In the 34-20 win over Notre Dame, Ginn scored on a 68-yard end around and a 56-yard reception. He finished with eight catches for 167 yards, a career high, and 73 yards rushing.
"Notre Dame is a fast defense," coach Jim Tressel said. "And when they’re chasing one way and Teddy’s running the other, they’ve got a problem."
His 68-yard run was 60 yards longer than his previous high this season. He entered the game with 10 yards on 10 carries.
His performance was reminiscent of that of Heisman winner Reggie Bush of Southern California against Notre Dame in October. Bush rushed for 160 yards and three TDs and caught four passes for 35 yards in a 34-31 win.
Bush hasn’t yet said he is declaring for the NFL draft, but Ginn dropped a hint that he might turn pro after the 2006 season. "I had a lot of fun," he said. "The point of the whole game was to play hard for the seniors. I have another year and the seniors don’t.