Wayne Bonner did not make the trip, on an eligibility issue. The NCAA denied a waiver for unspecified circumstances, and Marshall is appealing. We’ll know the verdict by next week, but you never hold your breath… Kellen Harris is dressed and warming up with the other linebackers. He’s giving it a go.

A few quick thoughts, because I surely am not blogging in-game. Again, my deadlines are outrageous.

–This is my fourth game at The Horseshoe, two as a writer and two as a paying customer. There should never, ever be Thursday night games in Columbus. The traffic was murder.

What genius came up the Big Ten divisions? Let’s see: Ohio State, Illinois, Indiana, Penn State, … and I’m already starting to forget. I wonder if the division names will be as forgettable as the ACC’s “Atlantic” and “Coastal.”

Even worse, Ohio State and Michigan are separated, with means we could get two of those games in two weeks. Now, I’ve been at an Ohio State-Michigan game (1994), and there’s nothing like it. But we don’t need two in two weeks.

This shouldn’t have been hard. There are six teams in the Eastern Time Zone — Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State. Six are in the Central — Illinois, Northwestern, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. And don’t give me the “lopsided” crapola, either…

Around the two-deep roster we go:

Quarterback — As expected. Once again, Eddie Sullivan doesn’t lose his redshirt until/unless he is needed to be The Man. No mop-up duty.

Running back — Martin Ward may have dropped for now because of that cast. But is there any drop-off to Andre Booker? Don’t think so.

Receivers — Aaron Dobson falls on lack of recent reps — and the sudden dependabilty of Wayne Bonner. The reinstated Jermaine Kelson is listed behind Troy Evans at “Y”, but Courtney Edmonson could go “H” or “Y” early. We shall see.

O-line — No surprises here. Having a true freshman on the two-deep (Garrett Scott, RT) is always disconcerting … Jordan Jeffries could move from LT to RT in a pinch, but such a transition is tougher than you might think — I’ve heard that from more than one tackle over the years. BIG ISSUE: Does Alex Schooler eventually overtake Landis Provancha at LT?

D-line — James Rouse and DeMetrius Thompson had a nice battle at DE, with Rouse now listed ahead. But the big news is Delvin Johnson listed over Michael Janac. Previously, I was very, very high on Delvin. Janac isn’t exactly going to be held off the field, either, and he can (and probably will) line up at end.

Linebacker — Kellen Harris falling to No. 3 MLB is a function of his hamstring-related rest this month. I’m starting to worry about Harris now — more than once have we seen a season messed up by an unhappy hammy.

Cornerbacks — Very interesting listing. I have heard Rashad Jackson (listed 3rd at one spot) will get nickel duty, which would play to his apparent strength in pass coverage. The big issue for Jackson: Did he make hay by jumping familiar routes in camp, or is he the real deal?

Safeties — Brown and Brown, KP and … Pete Culicerto? Hmmmm …

Kicker — It was Justin Haig’s job to lose, and he booted it — wide right. Tyler Warner got better as camp wore on.

Snapper — Having an MLB, Tyson Gale, do those chores is unusual to say the least. James Power disappointed coaches.

Punter — May the force be with Kase Whitehead.

Kick returners — Andre Booker, Troy Evans. Yeah, they’ll work.

Six days to gameday … thank God.