Ohio State is without the much-publicized Maurice Clarett, who led it in rushing last season while averaging 112.5 yards per game. This season it is averaging a mere 3.2 yards per rushing attempt and 127.8 rushing yards per game, notably lower than last season’s 4.3 and 191.3, respectively. Maurice Hall, its best rusher, is averaging just 64.5 yards per game and Lydell Ross, its next best, is averaging a mere 38.5. Still, when Northwestern visits Ohio State on Saturday, the Buckeyes are “going to run power out of every formation,” Wildcats linebacker Pat Durr said. “That’s just what they do. I wouldn’t be surprised if they run the ball 40, 50 times.” . . . Injured Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel will suit up, but backup Scott McMullen will be the starter against the Wildcats.
– Saturday at Ohio State, 11 a.m., ESPN2
