Just when you thought things were cooling down at Ohio State, someone had to go ahead and do something stupid. At least that’s the report out of Columbus, where three more players will be suspended for Saturday’s opener against Akron. This on top of a “core four” that will miss the first five games of the season for accepting impermissible benefits from a Columbus tattoo parlor earlier this year.
This, from CBS Sports’ Brett McMurphy:
Ohio State suspended junior running back Jordan Hall, sophomore defensive back Corey Brown and junior defensive back Travis Howard for receiving impermissible benefits of $300 or less each at a charity event they attended earlier this year.
Ohio State self-reported the violations.
Clearly, the violations are minor in their importance, and to Ohio State’s credit, they acted swiftly, and precisely. However, this is the last thing that a program- which has yet to be punished by the NCAA for rules violations for the four players previously mentioned, and Terrelle Pryor- needs at this particular moment.
As for the on-the-field problems, well, Hall’s suspension only further depletes an already thin running back core. With Dan Herron suspended for the Buckeyes first five games, and Jamaal Berry questionable with a hamstring injury (no Tweets needed please), Hall was expected to split time with Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith in the backfield. Hall had 37 rushes last year, compared to 32 from Berry and 24 from Hyde. Meanwhile Brown is listed as a backup at safety and Howard not even on the two-deep at tackle.
Even without the trio, the Buckeyes should be able to survive a visit from Akron, which was one of the worst teams in college football last year. They finished the season just 1-11, with their sole victory coming in the final game of the season.
Should further details emerge, Crystal Ball Run will keep you updated.
For updates on late-breaking news, opinion and everything else in the world of college football, follow Crystal Ball Run on Twitter @CrystalBallRun.
Follow Aaron Torres on Twitter @Aaron_Torres.
