Justin Zwick - College

College

Zwick came to Ohio State as one of the highest rated quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school. He was redshirted his freshman year, with Craig Krenzel and Scott McMullen already ahead of him at the quarterback position. Following the 2003 season, Zwick was expected by most to be the replacement to the departing Krenzel. He began the 2004 season, his sophomore year of eligibility, as the starter, and started the first six games of the year. During the game against Iowa, Zwick was forced to leave with an injury, opening the door for Troy Smith. Smith's exciting style of play kept him in the starting role, rendering Zwick to the backup position. He would return to the starter's role for the Alamo Bowl following Smith's suspension from the team, and led the Buckeyes to a dominating 33-7 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Zwick completed 17 of his 27 passing attempts for 189 yards in the bowl game.

The following season, controversy abounded in Columbus over which player should be the starting quarterback. Zwick started the season opener against Miami (OH), because Smith was still suspended, and the following game against Texas. Many fans feel that Ohio State lost that game because of their indecisiveness at the quarterback position, with Zwick and Smith subbing in and out for most of the game. After the loss against Texas, Smith was named the team's full-time starter. Zwick would appear in four more games that season, after the Buckeyes had comfortable leads and the games were well in hand.