Backup Leads Buckeyes Over Washington State : Nonconference: Herbstreit, a junior making his first start for Ohio State, passes and runs the nation’s 16th-ranked team to a 33-19 victory.

Quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, a junior making his first start, led 16th-ranked Ohio State to a 33-19 victory over Washington State Saturday.

Herbstreit completed eight of 13 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown and engineered three other scoring drives. He also rushed for 41 yards in six carries.

He got the start when first-stringer Kent Graham sustained a shoulder dislocation and slight concussion last week in a 23-15 victory over Louisville.

Herbstreit was a wishbone quarterback in high school, and there were questions about his ability to throw. As recently as last December, Herbstreit was playing strong safety on defense.

Roger Harper returned an interception 42 yards and Ohio State’s defense had nine sacks to make life miserable for the Cougars and their quarterback, Drew Bledsoe.

Bledsoe passed for 287 yards, completing 26 of 43 attempts. He threw for one touchdown and was intercepted once.

Ohio State rushed for 321 yards, with Carlos Snow getting 97 in 18 carries with a touchdown.

The Buckeyes are 3-0 for the first time is six years. The Cougars are 0-3.

Washington State’s Jason Hanson kicked field goals of 52 and 44 yards after missing two earlier attempts. Hanson’s 52-yard kick with 8:52 left in the third quarter gave him the NCAA record for career field goals of 50 or more yards, with 17. He had shared the mark with Tony Franklin of Texas A&M; (1975-78).