Early word out of Jim Tressel's Tuesday presser is that Akron native and running back Chris Wells will start against the USC Trojans in this weekend's huge showdown.

That's good news for a Buckeyes team that looked woeful on offense against Ohio University of all teams and needs a spark.

Teammate and defensive end Lawrence Wilson spoke with Wells last week and Monday as the runner worked out apart from the team.
‘’Beanie told me he was going to play and when Beanie says he’s going to do something, he does it,’’ Wilson said. ‘’I know he’s a tremendous competitor.’’

Call it looking past the Trojans, but the OSU offensive unit was lower than flat.

After dealing with parking issues and the like I finally hit Ohio Stadium and it would the Buckeyes already realize that they are playing an inferior opponent.

This is one of those games - as well as next week's - when they should take the opportunity to get their kinks worked out. Settling on for a field goal on the first drive doesn't qualify.

In this very game last year, Akron's Chris Wells looked uninspired and unimpressive. Not so today. Four carries 55 yards and a score. 'Nuff said.

Now the crowd cheers as Jim Tressle give sthe crowd what they want on the third drive of the game - Terrelle Pryor - the QB phenom out of Jennette, Pa.

No, I'm not recovering from quarter beer night.

I'm here at Ohio Stadium, bright eyed and bushy tailed.

I sit here as Meeeessshhheegan is losing to the Badgers big time past the midway mark in the third quarter. I guess we know that they're looking ahead.

But what about the Buckeyes? I can only get a sense of what they are going to be like from talking to the players and they are all business. They remember last year's game that almost cost them a shot in the championship game. If you can judge the attitudes of Kirk Barton, Dionte Johnson, Brian Hartline and others, they will do everything in their power to make sure the team doesn't stumble.

Mke no mistake about it, they could easily slip up should they not contain Rashard Mendenhall and Juice Williams. The Illini are fully capable of hitting homeruns on offense and the Buckeyes need to be aware of that fact.

Defensively, you can pass on this team and pass a lot, but I suspect that the Buckeyes will stick with what's been working for them for the past four games - Beanie Ball. Wells left. Wells right. Wells up the middle.