Bellisari will play

Troubled Buckeye QB may not start though

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Ohio State quarterback Steve Bellisari will play but might not start in the Outback Bowl after being arrested last month for drunken driving.

"That much I can tell you," coach Jim Tressel said of his lineup for the game Tuesday against South Carolina.

Bellisari has been on the practice field this week, working with the offense and on special teams, where he played as a freshman. He hasn't played since Nov. 10

Tressel could use Bellisari to spell Craig Krenzel, the Buckeyes' starting QB in their regular-season finale against Michigan, or work him in as an H-back or wide receiver.

The coach is being a bit coy about his plans for Bellisari, not wanting to tip off the Gamecocks.

"Steve's one of our best football players," Tressel said. "There's no doubt he'll play. Where exactly? That's the interesting point."

Bellisari also hasn't been told what to expect.

"I'm going to play," said the senior, a three-year starter at quarterback. "I don't know how much."

He was arrested for drunken driving Nov. 16, and suspended by Tressel for the game against Illinois the following day. Bellisari was reinstated for the Michigan game Nov. 24, but never left the sideline in Ohio State's 26-20 victory.

Bellisari later pleaded no contest, and still has a three-day jail term to serve starting Jan. 11. He also must take part in a three-day awareness program.

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