COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Beanie Wells didn't play. The Ohio Bobcats sure did.
Lightly regarded even in the Mid-American Conference, Ohio put a scare into No. 3 Ohio State before the Buckeyes righted things in the fourth quarter and went on to win 26-14 Saturday.
With star tailback Chris Wells sidelined by a foot injury, the Buckeyes (2-0) struggled to move the ball until Brandon Saine's short plunge on the third play of the final quarter finally put them on top and Ray Small added some breathing room with a late 70-yard punt return.
This was not the tuneup the Buckeyes needed before traveling cross-country next week to meet No. 1 Southern California.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)