If for some unfortunate reason you're unaware of why there's such a big hubbub over Chris "Beanie" Wells injury status, this should serve as a not-so-subtle reminder.
I think he'll still play, but Wells at 75% remains a huge loss for the Buckeyes. Beanie has the speed to match any other team in the country, yes, even the vaunted SEC speed and has the power to go between the tackles and take on USC's All-World Linebacker Ray Maualuga at the second level.
As evidenced by this clip against Washington last year, Wells can send a significant message to the opposition by lowering his shoulder.
So yes, the would be a huge loss than I don't think Sloopy can hang on from. That said, Brandon Saine can hold his own and is still one of the better running backs in the Big Ten.
Is this only injury status worth monitoring at kickoff Saturday night in the Los Angeles Coliseum? No. Why have we so quickly forgotten about Mark Sanchez' left knee? I know he said he was '100%' after a drubbing of Virginia, but a closer look says he's probably not.
Trevor Matich had a great breakdown of the lowlights you didn't see in the USC 52, Virginia 7 reel:
Sanchez isn't 100 percent and doesn't have to be with more playmaking options than the Seattle Seahawks to beat Ohio State.
My concern is not only the fact that these errant throws, caused by not completely stepping into his passes, won't work against the Buckeyes secondary, but what happens when Sanchez actually gets knocked down or gets twisted up during a sack? The only time Sanchez was touched two weeks ago was when he was high-fiving his teammates.
The Trojans have a solid offensive line, but you can be sure Marcus Freeman, Lawrence Wilson and James Laurinaitis will get into the backfield someway, somehow.
Beanie Wells loss, and/or playing hurt status won't help, but the Trojans still have a significant injury worth paying attention to during the early going Saturday. Predictions coming soon...
more
Comment!