COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- No. 2 Ohio State tries to extend the longest Division I-A winning streak in the nation to 16 games on Saturday when it hosts San Diego State.
Even without star running back Maurice Clarett, who is suspended for at last three games, the Buckeyes (1-0) dominated Washington last week, 28-9. Quarterback Craig Krenzel ran for two touchdowns and Clarett's replacements, Maurice Hall and Lydell Ross, each ran for one score.
But in their first game since upsetting Miami for the national championship, the Buckeyes were most impressive on defense, limiting the Huskies to seven rushing yards on 24 attempts.
While Ohio State awaits definitive word on the length of Clarett's suspenson, coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday that he will no longer be allowed to practice with the team while the investigation continues.
San Diego State (1-0) also had a successful season opener, beating 1-AA Eastern Washington, 19-9, to snap a seven-game losing streak against non-Mountain West Conference opponents.
Lynell Hamilton, who rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns, became the first true freshman in school history to run for more than 100 yards in his Aztecs debut.
Quarterback Adam Hall, who threw for more than 3,200 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, suffered a high ankle sprain and may miss the contest.
Ohio State beat San Diego State in their only previous meeting, 27-12, in 2001 in a game delayedmore than a month because of the terrorist attacks on September 11. The Buckeyes trailed at the half before rallying to win.
Saturday's game originally was to be played in San Diego, but was switched to Ohio earlier this year, giving the Buckeyes five straight home games to open the season.
The Buckeyes are 6-1 all time against Mountain West foes.
