body text = COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Top-ranked Ohio State’s only injury in its 28-9 victory over No. 13 Penn State on Saturday was to an assistant coach who punched a press box window while celebrating a touchdown.
Quarterback coach Tim Salem needed an undetermined number of stitches to close cuts on his index finger and forearm after he broke a plate-glass window fronting the coaches’ section of the Ohio Stadium press box.
Kim Jones, a Penn State beat writer for the Centre Daily Times of State College, Pa., suffered a cut right foot.
It happened with 23 seconds left in the first half, when Michael Wiley took a short pass from Joe Germaine and turned it into a 20-yard touchdown to put Ohio State on top 14-3.
Witnesses said Salem stood up to celebrate and punched his fist through the glass, showering shards and slivers on a row of sports writers seated below him.
Salem, a former Gophers quarterback, declined several requests to be interviewed.
“Rumor has it that it was coach Salem,” offensive coordinator Mike Jacobs said with a big grin. Referring to the late Woody Hayes, known for his emotional outbursts at games, Jacobs added, “Or, coach Hayes was up there.”
Head coach John Cooper said during his post-game remarks he was pleased that the Buckeyes suffered no injuries. Asked about Salem, he laughed and said, “Coach Salem doesn’t count. He’ll be all right. He’ll bounce back.”
Germaine said he found out about the broken window before going on the field for the second half.
“He might have to sit out next week,” Germaine joked.
Informed after the game about the reporter’s cut, Penn State coach Joe Paterno had some advice for Jones.
“You all right?” he said. “You need a lawyer? My kid’s in law school.”