OSU's WIll Allen runs away from San Diego State players on a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. (Ben French/Gannett News Service)

COLUMBUS -- Will Allen's performance turned out to be as pivotal as his words were prophetic.

Reporters snickered when Allen talked up 32-point underdog San Diego State early in the week, but the senior strong safety looked like a genius -- and a hero -- after Ohio State needed his 100-yard interception return to survive Saturday's 16-13 scare from the Aztecs.

That 14-point, first-quarter swing resulted in the longest return in Ohio Stadium history on a day when the second-ranked Buckeyes appeared more likely to set records for futility.

Allen's romp was the only touchdown scored by the defending national champions, sparing an offense that mustered just 196 yards and converted on only one of 14 third-down opportunities.

Quarterback Craig Krenzel had a horrific afternoon, completing five of 20 passes for 76 yards, with three sacks. He was picked off on the first play of the game, leading to SDSU's only touchdown, and fumbled in the third quarter, resulting in a field goal.

The Buckeyes (2-0) also did nothing to quell critics who feel their running game is punchless without suspended tailback Maurice Clarett.

Maurice Hall and Lydell Ross combined for 107 yards on 26 carries (4.1 average), but 33 of those yards came on an inconsequential carry by Hall in the third quarter.

"We had the philosophy we were going to sell out and just keep coming," SDSU coach Tom Craft said. "Basically, we committed more players to the line of scrimmage. A lot of Ohio State plays are slow-developing and we thought we could beat them to the punch."

Ohio State never trailed after Allen's TD put them up 10-7, but its 16-game winning streak was always in jeopardy because of ineffective and downright sloppy play. In addition to Krenzel's two turnovers, the Buckeyes were penalized 12 times for 124 yards and Mike Nugent missed a 28-yard field goal attempt -- snapping a streak of 17 straight conversions by the All-American in the 'Shoe.

"I don't know if saying we're 'fortunate' is the right word," Krenzel said. "I don't think we overlooked them. A little bit of it was their scheme and some of it was our lack of execution. Great teams have to find a way to win ugly. We took a a step back today, and now we'll have to take two steps forward next week (at home against North Carolina State)."

Of course, the Buckeyes turned ugly victories into an art form last season during their 14-0 run to the title, winning seven games by seven points or less. Saturday's outing, in fact, brought to mind last year's 13-7 win here over Penn State, when Chris Gamble providing OSU's only touchdown on a 40-yard interception return.

"It was reminiscent of a lot of games," Allen said, sighing, "but like coach (Jim Tressel) told us, a win is a win."

The Aztecs (1-1) had better luck moving the ball on the Buckeyes than No. 17 Washington had in its 28-9 loss here a week earlier. Sophomore quarterback Matt Dlugolecki, a transfer from the University of Illinois, looked fairly poised for someone making his first start in a nasty environment. He completed 23 of 39 passes for 189 yards in place of the injured Adam Hall.

"We felt we were quicker than Washington when we watched them on film," Craft said. "We thought we could match up with Ohio State and commit more people to the line of scrimmage. But on offense today we had a quarterback making his first start and a freshman (Lynell Hamilton) at running back (69 yards, 17 carries).

"Ohio State's defense makes things happen. They controlled the game."

The Aztecs scored 10 of their 13 points on two turnovers inside the OSU 30. Ohio State's defense countered by forcing four turnovers (four more than it had in the opener) and three sacks to bail out its sleepy offense.

"There's a sense of relief and at the same time a sense of disappointment as well," offensive guard Adrien Clarke said. "The game shouldn't have gone the way it did, but you have to take your hat off to San Diego State.

"Last week was a night game, Washington was nationally ranked, so naturally you're going to be amped. But you have to be better than that. We have to get to the point where we overcome (a letdown)."

In addition to Allen's heroics, the Buckeyes capitalized on two other Aztec turnovers, with an interception by linebacker Robert Reynolds and fumble recovery by tackle David Patterson (caused by Mike D'Andrea) leading to Nugent field goals of 32 and 35 yards.

The offense can't take any credit, though. Its longest scoring "drive" of the day was 33 yards. The Buckeyes didn't convert on third down until the final two minutes, but it couldn't have come at a better time.

On third-and-six from midfield, Krenzel hit Michael Jenkins on a slant pattern for 14 yards, enabling Ohio State to run out the clock.

"You're always concerned when you've spent an off-season hearing how wonderful you are, and then play a solid opener, and the 'wonderful' talk continues," Tressel said. "Sometimes slips come in inches. You hope when you slip you don't fall, and learn from it."

Originally published Sunday, September 7, 2003