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Barclay makes the first field goal of his career, a 29-yarder. But he missed a 47-yarder before it and a 36-yarder after it, making the Buckeyes 1-for-5 on the day.

"I've got to get myself ready for next week, because three of the biggest games of the season are coming up," Barclay said. "So I've got to get myself mentally ready for that."

Maybe soccer will help.

Barclay played Major League Soccer with four teams over five seasons before finishing his career with the Columbus Crew in 2005, deciding to go to Ohio State and then learning to kick a football. He joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on last season, and beat out Ben Buchanan, who wasn't dressed Saturday because he was sick, as the No. 2 field goal kicker.

"Playing professionally and playing competitively for almost 10 years definitely helped me get ready for it," Barclay said.

He had better be ready for Penn State, the kind of game that could easily come down to a field goal. If Tressel doesn't have Pettrey, it will have to affect his thinking about when he chooses to attempt field goals.

On The Clock: Awkward hit on Pettrey creates uncertainty for OSU kicking game | Ohio State Buckeyes - cleveland.com - - cleveland.com