COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith doesn’t know if the NCAA may still prevent the Buckeyes from going to a bowl game this season. But if allowed, the school intends to go.
There has been speculation that the NCAA may hand Ohio State a bowl ban. College sports’ ruling body is still deciding Ohio State’s penalties for several instances of players accepting improper benefits and coach Jim Tressel playing ineligible players. Tressel was forced out on May 30.
In text messages exchanged Tuesday with The Associated Press, Smith said that if permitted to go to a bowl, Ohio State would definitely make the trip. Schools sometimes surrender bowl trips to soften NCAA sanctions.
The Buckeyes play at No. 17 Michigan on Saturday.
