OSU roundup \ News and notes

November 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

In trouble: Former Ohio State starting offensive lineman T.J. Downing has been charged with drug trafficking, felony drug abuse and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Franklin County Municipal Court records show that the 24-year-old Downing was arrested in the Columbus suburb of Grandview Heights on Sunday. A native of Canton, Downing lettered three years for the Buckeyes, from 2004 through the 2006 season that ended with a lopsided loss to Florida in the national championship game. Downing was not drafted but signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in April 2007. He was cut before the season began.

In case you missed it: The Buckeyes’ final two games will both start at noon Eastern, this week at Illinois and the annual year-ending rivalry with Michigan at Ohio Stadium.

Big Ten’s best: TB Chris “Beanie” Wells shared offensive player of the week honors in the Big Ten. Wells had 140 yards rushing and two TDs in an easy win at Northwestern. He’s averaging 117.2 yards per game and needs just one more yard to top 3,000 for his career. Wells won the award twice last season as a sophomore. Wisconsin WR David Gilreath (168 yards rushing, 2 TDs) in a win over Indiana, also got a piece of the award. Iowa S Tyler Sash, who had a late interception which ended Penn State’s final drive, was the defensive honoree. The special-teams award went to Michigan K K.C. Lopata, who kicked five FGs in the win at Minnesota.

Team awards: Ohio State’s coaching staff also singled out stars for the 45-10 win at Northwestern. LB James Laurinaitis, QB Terrelle Pryor and special-teams player DB Shaun Lane won weekly awards. The scout team honorees were: OL Scott Sika, DL Scott Ingham and WR Kyle Ruhl on special teams. The top defensive player on the front seven was DL Nader Abdallah. TE Rory Nicol was the top offensive lineman. The hit of the week will be decided at today’s team meeting.

Associated Press