COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tailback Jordan Hall and cornerback Travis Howard were among four suspended Ohio State players who were reinstated for the 15th- ranked Buckeyes’ game Saturday against Toledo.
Coach Luke Fickell confirmed Tuesday that linebacker Jordan Whiting, who had been suspended in December for last weekend’s opener because he accepted cash and discounted tattoos from a local tattoo-parlor owner, also will be available to play this weekend at Ohio Stadium.
Fickell said Hall, Howard and cornerback Corey Brown also have been reinstated after being held out of last weekend’s game for taking less than $300 apiece in gifts from a charity.
Fickell said he was uncertain of those three players’ status beyond this week.
“They’re available. That’s all I know,” the coach said. “We’re going to continue to move forward with guys that are available, and if something comes up, something comes up.”
USC tailback reinstated.
Southern California reinstated tailback Marc Tyler from suspension, clearing last season’s leading rusher to play Saturday against Utah.
Tyler missed USC’s season- opening win over Minnesota and much of training camp because of a series of disciplinary problems culminating in a rant on TMZ. Tyler has been quiet ever since, and he met several unspecified requirements from Trojans coach Lane Kiffin and athletic director Pat Haden to earn reinstatement.
Footnotes.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly made a change at quarterback, saying Tommy Rees will be the starter for Saturday night’s game at Michigan. Kelly benched Dayne Crist during the Fighting Irish’s 23-20 loss to South Florida in the season opener and Rees played well in the second half.
• Minnesota coach Jerry Kill said MarQueis Gray will be the starting quarterback when the Gophers host New Mexico State on Saturday. The junior struggled at times against USC and left last weekend’s game early because of cramps. Freshman Max Shortell relieved him and nearly rallied the Gophers to an upset victory on the road.
• Missouri tailback Kendial Lawrence has a broken bone in his leg and likely will be out of action for a month.
• Oklahoma State senior safety Johnny Thomas has been ruled ineligible for the remainder of the season.
The Associated Press
