Suspension hangs over Buckeyes

Officials are still readying a response to NCAA allegations.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Defending national champion Ohio State cannot completely move forward until the status of suspended tailback Maurice Clarett is resolved.
"What the players need to do is do away with thinking about him because they don't know when or if he's coming back," former Ohio State and current Detroit Lions defensive lineman Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson said Wednesday. "It's sad that they're having to answer questions about this on a daily basis because they should be focused on winning another national championship."
Alumni, administrators, coaches and current players all recognize that the Clarett saga has been a distraction for the Buckeyes for months. Since his suspension remains open-ended -- it could end soon or not at all -- the whole situation shadows the Ohio State program.
"We'll have to let the days play out," athletic director Andy Geiger said. "There are 100-some other players and coaches involved in this program and we're now in the midst of playing games. We are really anxious to get this thing behind us."
Stuck in limbo
Ohio State finds itself unable to count the days until its top rusher returns and unable to formally say good-bye.
"If he's not allowed to come back, that wouldn't be good for our team," said tailback Maurice Hall, who started in Clarett's place against Washington. "We definitely are going to miss him and his attitude and his work ethic. He brings a lot to this team."
Ohio State plays its first five games at home, including Saturday against San Diego State. The extended home stand could help buy the Buckeyes some time as they try to find a better running game.
Hall and Lydell Ross, Clarett's top two replacements, combined for 101 yards on 27 carries against Washington. Clarett had three games a year ago in which he carried at least that many times. He averaged 170 yards in those games.
"Everyone here knows that we're without a member of this family," Ross said. "We know whatever happens, happens. And that's how life goes. Everyone knows he's not here but everyone will also move forward."
Hall is a quick but small tailback. Ross is bigger and more physical. Neither has the blend of speed and size possessed by Clarett, who has a knack for shedding open-field tackles.
No number of games has been linked with Clarett's suspension, although Ohio State officials were readying a response on Wednesday to "several pages" of NCAA allegations regarding Clarett.
"We'll try to win games the best we can," tight end Ben Hartsock said.