It may not be conventional, but there is a quarterback controversy brewing in the Ohio State football camp.

Barring an injury, senior Craig Krenzel has cemented himself in the No. 1 passer role. Krenzel, who threw for 2,110 yards and 12 touchdownsa year ago, will be counted on more this year as the Buckeye coaching staff and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman plan on opening up the playbook to take pressure off the OSU running backs.

It’s a responsibility that Krenzel relishes.

“I’m looking forward to opening things up more this season,” Krenzel said. “I think the spring has gone really well, and I’m throwing the ball pretty well.”

Behind Krenzel will be another senior in Scott McMullen. In limited action last season, McMullen completed more than 80 percent of his passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns.

“Scott has been really throwing the ball well this spring,” coach Jim Tressel said. “We all have confidence in Scott that he can run the offense if needed.”

But it’s that final No. 3 spot where the controversy has become heated. Redshirt freshmen Justin Zwick and Troy Smith appear determined to battle each other until the first game of the fall season. Neither Zwick or Smith saw time on the field last season, but both are ready to step up and contribute if needed.

“Last year was tough just sitting and watching,” Zwick said. “But now, I think both me and Troy are ready to do whatever we can to help this team win.”

In the two scrimmages so far this season, Zwick and Smith have appeared nearly even. In last Saturday’s scrimmage, Zwick connected with wide receiver Santonio Holmes on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Not to be outdone, Smith hooked up with receiver Jamal Luke on a 20-yard score.

But while the two have been even in practice, both bring something special to the Buckeye offense. Smith is a more athletic quarterback, who can use his mobility to escape the pocket and run away from pressure. On the other hand, Zwick is a more conventional pocket passer with a rocket arm.

“They both have a lot of talent,” Krenzel said. “It’s going to be up to both of those guys to show what they can do and show that they have a handle for the offense.”

Both Zwick and Smith understand that they can’t let their competition undermine what they are trying to do on the field.

“It’s really about going out there and doing what you’re taught to do and what coach expects from you,” Zwick said. “All you really think about is playing; you can’t worry about anything else.”

Smith has taken the same approach, trying to shield the attention from Zwick and his friendly rivalry.

“I don’t really look at it as me trying to get ahead of him,” Smith said. “You can’t really worry about that stuff in spring ball. All we’re trying to do out here now is get into the groove and get a handle for the offense.”

Even if one impresses the coaching staff more this spring, all four quarterbacks know that the real job is won and lost during fall practices.

“Spring means something, but not as much as fall,” Krenzel said. “Fall is really where you can impress people and make an impression. If you have an outstanding fall practice, it’s hard for coaches to ignore you.”

Krenzel would know that firsthand. Both he and McMullen were competing for the starting role after spring practice last season. But it was Krenzel’s performance in fall practices which put him above McMullen.

While both Zwick and Smith are more than a year away from getting serious time on the field, Tressel knows that this year won’t be completely unnecessary for the two redshirt passers.

“While it may not look like it on game days, both Justin and Troy are going to get a lot of work this year,” Tressel said. “This could be the most important year for both of them.”