COLUMBUS During a 26-year coaching career, Tim Boeckman has had butterflies. But never stomach bubbles.

Until last Saturday.

That day, Boeckman wasn't a coach. He was a father, the dad of the kid 105,000 Ohio State fans had every eye on and for whom they had every finger crossed.

Todd Boeckman made his first start as the Buckeyes' quarterback last week against Youngstown State. It was as successful a debut as the Boeckmans could have hoped. Todd completed 17-of-23 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns.

"I'm willing to bet my wife and I were more nervous than Todd," Tim Boeckman said. "That's as nervous as I've ever been going into a football game. I coached 26 years, and I never had problems sleeping. Last week, I didn't get a lot of sleep a lot of nights.

"It was a very tough week. This was his opportunity that he's waited four years for, and you wanted him to take the opportunity and run with it."

Boeckman, a redshirt junior, gets another chance to show Ohio State fans he is worthy of replacing Troy Smith at quarterback. The Buckeyes play Akron at noon today at Ohio Stadium.

This time, the Boeckmans hope to be able to tailgate, eat a little and relax.

"A lot of people might look and say they were surprised how he performed," said Buckeye receiver Brian Robiskie, who caught nine passes for 153 yards. "I've been working with him ... all offseason, watching him grow, watching him become more of a leader. It just showed on Saturday."

Head Coach Jim Tressel said Boeckman's film grade was in the low 80s. Had he not fumbled on a sack and forced two passes into coverage, Boeckman might have graded what Tressel considers a winning performance, 85 percent or better.

The sack and fumble, however, had little to do with Boeckman. On the play, Boeckman looked left, which kept his right side blinded. It appeared running back Chris Wells went the wrong way on the blocking scheme and should have picked up YSU's Vince Gliatta, who blitzed from his safety position.

"I thought (Boeckman) was solid," Tresssel said. "There were a couple times from a decision standpoint, maybe he could have been better."

Tressel treated Boeckman like a bonafide starter. He got the majority of the snaps. Backup Rob Schoenhoft entered the game for the first time early in the second quarter, which was predetermined.

Boeckman seemed to gain confidence with each series. Against the Zips, the test gets tougher. Akron's pass defense is led by McKinley graduate Reggie Corner. He picked off a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the Zips' opener against Army.

"Experience is a big thing," Todd said. "The more reps I get, the more experience I'm going to have."

He has no reason to look over his shoulder. Tressel said Boeckman is the starter. However, he must continue to earn that every week.

"Todd is going to have ample opportunity to show that he can lead this football team," Tressel said.

When the game ended, the Boeckmans gathered at their son's apartment. Usually, they go out to eat.

This game was different.

More than 20 family and friends made the trip from St. Henry. They talked about the game and how they were relieved it was over.

"Everybody was (emotionally) worn out," Tim said. "We sat there and watched a couple of games on TV. I looked at Todd and said, 'What do you want to do?' He said, 'Dad, I just want to stay here and order pizza.' It felt good to just sit down and relax. It felt a little like Thanksgiving."

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