Former all-Big Ten center to help get things started vs. Nittany Lions
Kirk Lowdermilk, a standout offensive lineman for the Buckeyes from 1981-84, will serve as Ohio State's honary captain Saturday vs. Penn State in Ohio Stadium. The former All-Big Ten center's career was bracketed by two Big Ten championships in '81 and '84.
Lowdermilk helped pave the way for running backs Tim Spencer and Keith Byars, who rank No. 3 and No. 4 in Ohio State's all-time rushing ranks.
After leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title in 1984 and a berth in the Rose Bowl, Lowdermilk went on to a 12-year career in the National Football League from 1985-96. He split his pro days with Minnesota and Indianapolis, reaching the NFC conference championship game in 1987 and the AFC conference championship game in 1995. In all, Lowdermilk's teams reached the playoffs six times in his career.
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions kick off at 8 p.m. in Ohio Stadium Saturday. The game will air live on ABC-TV and the Ohio State Radio Network. Fans also can listen to the radio call at Buckeye Vision on OhioStateBuckeyes.com.