Beanie Wells: No Hope for the Heisman

Michael J. Bernard by Contributor Written on September 13, 2008
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Beanie Wells, Heisman No Hope
for Heisman Hopefuls


“I honestly (think about it) all the time, I’m not (going to sit here and) tell you (I) don’t,” he said. “I thought (about) the Heisman (in) my 10th-grade year. (Honestly), Me (and my father) were sitting in the living room (and I told him) I wanted (to be) the first (freshman to win the) Heisman. (That didn’t happen), (so), you know, I just want (to get it), honestly.” Beanie Wells, mumbling about winning the Heisman Trophy back in April. His college major is not English as a Second Language.

Well, so much for the most anticipated game of the week. So much for the Heisman Hopes of a little known or cared about Ohio State Running Back named Chris "Beanie" Wells. While speculation about his health had been rampant all week as Ohio State prepared for its game versus Southern California, at one point wavering from "on target to play" to "doubtful" within a short 15 hour span.

The long anticipated USC/OSU match up is possibly the most important game in the Jim Tressel era for the Buckeyes to win. After two consecutive BCS national championship game losses, the Buckeyes are losing all credibility with the national public. If there ever was a must-win game for the Buckeyes, this is it.


"What would Woody do?"

Monday: Beanie does not practice with the team, but does running drills the entire time. Several players are quoted after practice, all of them telling the press encouraging details about Wells’ progress.

Tuesday: Ohio State releases its depth chart for the USC game. Beanie Wells is listed as the No. 1 running back. Beanie tells offensive coordinator that he’s ready to carry the ball 45 times.

Wednesday: Beanie practices with the team, gets about 20 carries and the team lists him at 75 percent healthy. More positive details from fellow players.

Thursday: Tressel announces that Wells is listed as “doubtful” for USC moments before the Buckeyes board the plane for California. No other players are made available to the media.

Friday: Following a walk-through at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Tressel calls a press conference to announce that Wells will not play on Saturday. No players are made available to the media.

Saturday: ESPN reports that Ohio State’s team doctors have cleared Beanie Wells to play. Erin Andrews also reports that when attempting to discuss it with Buckeye players in their hotel lobby, they refuse to answer, only offering “the team is focused” statements.

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written on September 13, 2008 Preview/Prediction

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