Clifford suspended (Washington OK to play) In Championship

[BuckeyeNatural]

I think Chekwa is a very good player and actually more talented than DWash, though Dwash's experience and physicality is going to be missed Chekwa's speed will show. I have serious concerns about Amos' speed, I watched him try to run down a kick returner who ran back a TD (forget what game) and he looked unimpressive athletically, he must have really nice cover skills to have shut down MManningham in HS. Im definitely more concerned about Amos than JamO who I think will come prepared to lay the wood on those LSU WRs, which should set a nice tone on D and make those LSU WRs hesitant to cross the middle.

[smith403]

Originally Posted by Buckin' A

I'm sure this will be ESPN's top story rather than the FSU football team being involved in a academic scandal.

Why is it that Bowden's gettin' a pass on TutorGate?

[jwinslow]

I have serious concerns about Amos' speed, I watched him try to run down a kick returner who ran back a TD (forget what game) and he looked unimpressive athletically

Drawing conclusions based upon one play is pretty reckless. Doing so just after said player just returned from a major knee injury is even more so.

[SNIPER26]

Originally Posted by OH10

He didn't get into it with Hart. It more the other way around. But I digress because we all know who had the last word.

I apologize I just meant if he was the CB Hart threw a nice block on and got into a mini scuffle with. Sorry guys.

Anyways, losing Washington is a huge blow but I think Tressel is good enough to work around that

[Folanator]

If we were going against Payton Manning I would be more worried, but we're not. LSU's QB's are good, but certainly not pinpoint with their throws. IMHO tackling is a more important component for our team in the NC game as opposed to coverage. The replacements can tackle, so we should be OK.

[jwinslow]

I apologize I just meant if he was the CB Hart threw a nice block on and got into a mini scuffle with. Sorry guys.

No worries... you've built up credibility with us. But that won't stop us from taking some shots at H20(fer)

[JohnnyCockfight]

It's being published by various media outlets now.

Columbus Dispatch:

Ohio State's starting corner suspended for title game

Ohio State starting cornerback Donald Washington and reserve corner Eugene Clifford have been suspended for the national championship game because of a violation of team rules, a source close to the team confirmed tonight.

There were no details on the nature of the violation, except that it is not a legal issue.

The loss of Washington is significant. The sophomore from Indianapolis has started every game this season and played well, twice being named the team's defensive player of the week.

He has 34 tackles, a sack and an interception returned 70 yards for a touchdown against Kent State.

In November, while discussing who has stood out on defense, center Jim Cordle called Washington ?the most underrated corner in the nation.?

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Took "rumor" out of title. Not calling it "Confirmed" because it's not in the mill. Probably end up merging this to the game thread once the immediacy of this dies down.

[Buckeye_in_Cali]

If a kid can't stay focused enough to remain out of trouble during the prep phase leading up to a National Title game, then what makes anyone think they'd be focused actually playing in the game itself? The loss is significant; however, I'll take focus and hard work during these next 18 days over raw talent that can't stay in line.

[billmac91]

it's actually worse than I thought, truthfully. I think as I get older, these things become more frustrating. I just can't imagine what these guys are going to feel when they're adults and have to think back about the time they got left in Columbus during the National Championship. JT is the best in the business, but it really feels like a lot of momentum is being lost going into the game through no fault of his own.

[osucollegebuck]

I don't care if we have Nate Clements or Antoine Winfield on the depth chart. This is terrible and a dumb mistake.

[BuckeyeMike80]

I still don't quite understand all of the hand wringing and outright panic I see in some of these posts....

It sucks these guys won't be at the game, but this is Ohio State, talent replaces talent. Given 17 days or so to practice and for the coaches to give the players that will replace them 1st and 2nd team reps (as required), things will be just fine. This won't be the issue if Ohio State loses the game.

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

I still don't quite understand all of the hand wringing and outright panic I see in some of these posts....

It sucks these guys won't be at the game, but this is Ohio State, talent replaces talent. Given 17 days or so to practice and for the coaches to give the players that will replace them 1st and 2nd team reps (as required), things will be just fine. This won't be the issue if Ohio State loses the game.

We have a winner. Step right up, claim your prize.

[Best Buckeye]

Wait a minute ! there was a prize?? what prize?

[Honor&Glory]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

I still don't quite understand all of the hand wringing and outright panic I see in some of these posts....

It sucks these guys won't be at the game, but this is Ohio State, talent replaces talent. Given 17 days or so to practice and for the coaches to give the players that will replace them 1st and 2nd team reps (as required), things will be just fine. This won't be the issue if Ohio State loses the game.

I agree. Eugene hasn't played in like 6 of the last seven games or something like that and I had heard rumblings of a medical redshirt...so it's not like I am overly concerned about him 'not playing' in the NC game. The loss of Washington kinds bites...but this is Ohio State...a place where talent grows on trees.