[bigboydan]

Just a heads up fellas...

I for one liked this news since I already grabbed LSU -4 earlier.

Ohio State starting cornerback suspended for title game
Thursday, December 20, 2007 3:32 AM
By Ken Gordon and Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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 last night.

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."

His absence means redshirt freshman Chimdi Chekwa likely will start with Malcolm Jenkins at the corners. In the nickel defense, safety Jamario O'Neal now likely will get the nod.

Previously, Chekwa has played corner in nickel and Jenkins has shifted to safety. Andre Amos, Nick Patterson and Aaron Gant also could see more playing time.

Clifford, a freshman from Cincinnati, has played in four games and has eight tackles.

In March, while in high school, Clifford was cited for marijuana possession by Colerain Township police. He paid a $105 fine for the minor misdemeanor.

Because he had not enrolled at OSU, Clifford did not fall under the school's drug and alcohol policy. A university spokesman said, though, that because of the infraction, Clifford might be subject to more stringent testing.

[mofome]

washington is a nice player and a good example of what a good talent evaluator Tress is. He was only a 2 star guy coming out of hs but tress gave him a shot and hes paid off. Clifford was an AA coming out of HS but didnt find his way on to the field that much. Clifford is blessed with a ton of talent and i wouldnt be surprised if OSU was really working with him to get him ready for a few snaps vs a team as loaded as LSU.

good stuff man

[mofome]

some OSU guys seem to think they failed a drug test. thats not confirmed though.

[bigboydan]

I haven't heard any updates on this story as of yet Mofo.

[ShamsWoof10]

From what I hear only the back up safety is out so far... The starting corner is still in...

[mofome]

washington is fully expected to play.

[LT Profits]

I can't make a bet on this game for obvious reasons. Go Tigers!

[LT Profits]

Actually, not EVERYONE knows the story, so let me do a quick recap. I am anti-Big Ten this year and thought that Ohio State was the most overrated team in the country when they were ranked #1. At that time, I made a big future bet that Ohio State would NOT win the BCS Championship at -600, which at the the time I thought was a streal as I put their chances closer to 20-1. Well, everybody including myself thought my bet was a winner when they lost to Illinois, and after a combination of results that must have been about 500-1 (LOL) to get Ohio State into this game, here we are.

[goldengoat]

what complete jackasses these guys are

completely let their teammates and school down. i hope they realize how bad they messed up but usually these types only care about themselves.

[bigboydan]

UPDATE:

Looks like he was deemed eligible to play agaist LSU.

Buckeyes' starter Washington eligible to play

Ohio State cornerback Donald Washington is eligible to play in the Allstate BCS Championship Game, OSU athletic director Gene Smith said Friday, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

On Dec. 20, Ohio State suspended backup cornerback Eugene Clifford for violating team rules. According to media reports, Washington was also suspended, but an Ohio State spokesperson had said that was not the case.

Washington has been practicing since the team returned Wednesday from holiday break, according to the Dispatch.

Washington is a sophomore who has started every game for the Buckeyes (11-1). He played a key role in an Ohio State defense ranked among the best in the nation. He has 34 tackles, tied for seventh-best on the team with lineman Vernon Gholston, and also has two tackles for losses, one sack, one interception, which he returned 70 yards for a touchdown, and one fumble recovery.

[prickbeater101]

I want to stress again whats wrong with college football. We all know Ohio St is overrated and really don't deserve to be in this game. Should LSU? No,not really but as screwed up as this season has gone, the two "best" teams are playing. But for the life of me, I cannot understand why Ohio St. was quickly moved to no.1 in the polls. The top billing is supposed to be for the best team in college football. No one better. This is the best we got. And now they are an underdog in the national championship game?? How can you in good faith call a team no.1 in the country and they are underdogs? I have yet to figure this out about college football. We have the wrong people deciding who is the best without letting the players decide it on the field. Its like when the poles came out, it was no doubt who would be no.1. Ohio St., Ohio St. They are the best team in college football, now who will they play in the big game? LSU gets the invite and all of a sudden Ohio St. become a 5 pt underdog. How screwed up is this system?? Just who the hell is the better team??? Ohio St. will get skull dragged in the game. A pocket QB will not beat them. Everyone knows a scrambling QB gives them fits.

I have had enough discussing reasons why we need a playoff. If this doesn't justify it,nothing will. What a pitiful system we have.....