Wells status is known

It is T-minus 24 hours to what is being dubbed by some as the Collision at the Coliseum. And now that we are within a day of the tilt between No. 1 Southern Cal and No. 5 Ohio State all of the preparations are done and it is just a matter of waiting for the 8:00 p.m. (EDT) kickoff.

There will be 22 players on the field at any given time including a cavalcade of future NFL millionaires but no player has drawn more attention and space in local and national newspapers than Ohio State running back Chris Wells. Will he play or won't he play? The long awaited answer has finally come and it is not good news for fans of the Scarlet and Gray.

"(Beanie) would cut his foot off for those guys but I don't think as I listen to the medical people that it would be the right thing to do," Tressel said. "I am not sure he will ever speak to me again but I think it is the right thing to do and we won't have Beanie tomorrow."

That will put the pressure on the other three Ohio State running backs. Daniel Herron will likely get the start according to Tressel but it should be a running back by committee situation. The Buckeyes don't have the depth at running back that USC has with six ball carriers but those are the cards that have been dealt to Ohio State.

"He worked so hard and he got treatment 50 times today," Tressel said. "But I think my job is to keep the best interest of each youngster in mind."

Last season a less than healthy Wells rushed for more than 1,600 yards but this undisclosed injury is different and the Buckeyes have the season to think about and more than just one out of conference game.

I thought it was important to let our guys know what we needed to do," Tressel said. "Everyone will handle it their own way."