For at least two Ohio State players, the Buckeyes’ bye week appears to have come at a most opportune time.
Starting linebacker Ross Homan has missed the past two games after suffering a foot injury Oct. 16 and would’ve been unavailable this weekend if there were a game scheduled.
However, head coach Jim Tressel said Thursday that he’s hopeful Homan will be able to return to practice Sunday. If all goes well when Homan hits the practice field again this weekend, there appears to be a pretty decent chance the senior will be available when the Buckeyes square off against Penn State Nov. 13.
“I’m not a big open-week fan,” Tressel said. “But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some pluses.”
Another plus side of the bye week also involves the Buckeyes’ linebacker position. Backup Dorian Bell has missed the past three games after suffering the second of his two concussions this year early last month, but appears to be on pace to come back against the Nittany Lions. And, as banged up as the Buckeyes have been on that side of the ball, they can use all the help they can get right now.