OSU’s Spence suspended three games

McClatchy-Tribune

DAVIE, Fla.

Ohio State will be without sophomore defensive end Noah Spence for Friday’s Orange Bowl.

Spence did not travel to South Florida with the Buckeyes on Sunday because of what Ohio State called “personal issues” — and on Wednesday, those issues were brought to light as the school announced Spence had been suspended three games for violating a Big Ten rule. His suspension will start with the Orange Bowl.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday that Spence was suspended for the use of an unapproved dietary supplement.

Spence, who led Ohio State in sacks this season with eight and was an All-Big Ten selection, appealed the suspension, but was ultimately denied.

“I really wasn’t [planning to play without him],” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said after the Buckeyes finished practicing in heavy rain at Nova Southeast University. “I was just disappointed that the appeal didn’t go through.”

Meyer said he wasn’t rattled by the nature of the suspension .

“Noah is one of my favorite players — great family, great person,” the second-year coach said. “Sometimes things happen in life that you’ve got to move on. And football teaches you that. A lot of things teach you that. I love that guy though, that’s a great kid.”

Sophomore Jamal Marcus will start in Spence’s place Friday and Steve Miller will back him up. Marcus had two sacks and 15 tackles this season.

“He’s had a great week,” Meyer said of Marcus. “Jamal has shown signs of a real quick twitch. This is his kind of game. I’m excited to see him go.”

Meyer also ruled out defensive back Bradley Roby, another All-Big Ten player, for Friday’s game.

Roby, as Ohio State’s top cover cornerback, was likely to match up with Clemson’s star wide receiver, Sammy Watkins on Friday, had be been able to play, but his knee bruise, sustained in the Big Ten Championship Game, didn’t heal quickly enough.

“I don’t think Roby is going to make it,” Meyer said. “I thought he would, but it just didn’t accelerate the way we hoped.”

The flu bug that has swept through the Ohio State camp struck tight end Jeff Heuerman Wednesday, but Meyer said the virus should pass by kickoff Friday.

“I think we’re at the back end of it,” Meyer said.