COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State will have its Beanie back for Southern California.
Buckeyes tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells has been given the OK to play in the showdown at No. 1 USC on Saturday night.
Wells, who rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, went down with a foot injury in the second half of the fifth-ranked Buckeyes’ opener against Youngstown State and did not suit up when Ohio State struggled to beat Ohio University 26-14 last week. But coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday that Wells would definitely play against USC.
“You know, Beanie ran well (Monday),” Tressel said. “In fact, he ran better than I thought he might.”
The next test for Wells is how he feels after going through his first workouts in 10 days.
“The big thing is Tuesday and Wednesday work and will that create soreness,” Tressel said. “Not only was he running well, then they (trainers) put him on the bike and wore him out, so they’re trying to do all the things. He’s been in the under- water treadmill and anything we can do, we’re doing (with rehab). I feel good about him.”
Footnotes.
Minnesota running back Duane Bennett, the Gophers’ leading rusher and second-leading receiver, will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
• Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk, who sued the NCAA after being denied a sixth season of eligibility, lost another appeal when Hardin County (Ohio) Judge William Hart refused to grant a permanent injunction allowing him to rejoin the Bearcats.
• Washington granted linebacker E.J. Savannah a release from his scholarship, allowing the Huskies’ leading tackler last season to transfer to a school outside the Pac-10.
• Iowa sophomore quarterback Ricky Stanzi will start Saturday against Iowa State.
• All SEC games on CBS this season will also be available to watch for free on , the network announced.
The Associated Press
