Whether or not you believe Jim Tressel's injury report on Chris "Beanie" Wells, Buckeye fans everywhere are holding their breath leading up to Saturday's huge matchup with the USC Trojans. Wells' status could have a huge impact on this game, which will in turn have a huge impact on the BCS picture. The winner of this game will almost certainly occupy the #1 spot, and many feel that OSU's only chance is with Wells healthy.

But in the end, is Wells' injury a Buckeye blessing in disguise?

While anything less than a completely healthy Beanie Wells could result in a loss against the Trojans, it would also do one more thing: Provide them with an excuse for losing the only truly difficult game on their schedule, and give the voters a reason to let them slide into the National Championship once again, no matter what happens in the USC game.

Losers of the last two NC games, the Buckeyes know that to get another shot, they probably have to go undefeated, and remove all semblance of doubt that they actually belong. However, if Beanie doesn't play against USC and they lose, it could present an interesting situation.

It's only week 3, and it's still early enough that a team could recover from a loss and remain in the NC picture. And if they lose without their Heisman candidate RB, then they have a (somewhat) legitimate excuse for the loss. It was clear in last week's game against Ohio that the Buckeyes desperately need Wells for their offense to run smoothly. If they manage to win their remaining games, then an argument could be made at the end of the season that while OSU lost WITHOUT Beanie Wells, they are a National Championship caliber team when he's healthy.

That may or may not be true, but it will definitely leave an impression on voters, unless Wells shows that he is 100% healthy, and the Trojans still win. While many people believe that USC would win no matter how healthy Beanie Wells is, that won't matter if he's not healthy. If Ohio State wins out after a loss to the Trojans, the only thing that people will see in the end is that the Buckeyes are perfect when Beanie is healthy.

That just might be enough to earn them another spanking at the hands of the SEC.


Wells' Injury May Keep BCS Hopes Alive [Fanhouse]