DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State sophomore running back Chris Wells had surgery as a ninth-grader on his left ankle — the same one that's been bothering him since the preseason.

But he said the trainers have told him the sharp pain he feels while playing is coming from a sprain, not something more serious. "I think it's a coincidence that it's the same ankle," he said.

After rushing for 221 yards on 31 carries against Michigan State last week, Wells said he often feels bolts of pain as if something is pinching his ankle, which sounds like more than just a typical sprain.

But OSU coach Jim Tressel shot down a published report that said his workhorse back is due to have arthroscopic surgery after the season because of bone chips in his ankle. And Wells said, "I really don't know anything about that."

Wells praises Saine

Freshman running back Brandon Saine had just three carries for three yards against the Spartans, but Wells believes his understudy is destined for stardom.

"Brandon is a tremendous person, first off," Wells said. "As an athlete, he's great. He can catch the ball. He can run it. He's doing everything well. I just love Brandon Saine. Down the line, I think he's going to be one of the great running backs at Ohio State, that's how good he is."

Barton earns kudos

Senior right tackle Kirk Barton is becoming known for more than just being the team's best quipster.

He was named the Buckeyes' offensive lineman of the week and has performed at a high level all season.

"He may have played as good as I've seen him play in all phases, which is exactly what you want from your leaders," Tressel said.

OSU takes safe route

Saine raised eyebrows by taking a knee on the Buckeyes' 16-yard line while returning a kickoff in the waning minutes against MSU, rather than risking a fumble.

But he was just following orders.

With a 24-17 lead, OSU was expecting an onside kick and had sent its "hands" unit into the game.

"We said, 'If they don't onside kick, all we need is the ball. If you can catch it and run a few yards, do so, but we don't want you to get hit by like nine guys.' " Tressel said. "That hands team is not the greatest blockers."

Boeckman speaks up

Tressel applauded quarterback Todd Boeckman for chewing out his linemen after getting sacked on a blitz and fumbling late in the game, saying a team can benefit from an exchange like that "when its leader is honest."

Tressel added: "He barked at them a little bit when we were in the huddle (late in the game). He sent them a message that he wanted sent, and I think if it's real, not fabricated, nothing wrong with that."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com