Things to Watch

Injury Update
Linebacker Etienne Sabino is expected to be out at least 2 more weeks due to his leg surgery. In practice, running back Jordan Hall re-injured his knee and will likely miss the rest of the season, with a medical redshirt now a possibility. On special teams, DeVan Bogard and Najee Murray are out for the season with ACL injuries. Devin Smith appeared hurt after he made a tackle on punt coverage, but he returned to the game and is expected to be fine. Defensive lineman John Simon missed some time in the Penn State game due to a leg injury, but he appears to be fine. Safety Zach Domincone missed the trip to Penn State with a leg injury, his status is unclear for this week.

What is at Stake?
Ohio State remains undefeated, one of only six unbeaten teams, a list that includes: Alabama, Oregon, Kansas St, Notre Dame, and Louisville. As those teams likely compete in a BCS bowl game (maybe not Louisville), Ohio State will remain at home for the holidays. Ohio State has the opportunity to win the Leaders division in the Big Ten, and now has a 1.5 game lead over Penn State with the tiebreaker. With a late season bye next week, the other Big Ten teams will catch up in conference games played. Ohio State would win a trophy if it wins the Leaders division, but it would be excluded from competing in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State is not eligible to be ranked in the BCS poll, or any of its components including the USA Today-Coaches Poll. The Buckeyes are ranked #6 in the AP Poll, and the AP can name its own champion without the restrictions of the BCS. If Ohio State is #1 in the AP Poll after the bowl games, it will be named National Champions by the AP.