COLUMBUS, Ohio — Beanie Wells didn't play. The Ohio Bobcats sure did.

Lightly regarded even in the Mid-American Conference, Ohio put a scare into No. 3 Ohio State before the Buckeyes righted things in the fourth quarter and went on to win 26-14 today.

With star tailback Chris Wells sidelined by a foot injury, the Buckeyes (2-0) struggled to move the ball until Brandon Saine's short plunge on the third play of the final quarter finally put them on top and Ray Small added some breathing room with a late 69-yard punt return.

This was not the tuneup the Buckeyes needed before traveling next week to meet No. 1 Southern California.

Ohio (0-2) had four costly turnovers — two in the fourth quarter — to help its bigger, badder neighbors escape.

Wells, mentioned as a Heisman Trophy hopeful after gaining 1,600 yards a year ago, injured his right foot a week ago in a 43-0 rout of Youngstown State. He watched the game from the sidelines while three players got his carries.

A week after a capacity crowd sat in stunned silence when Wells was injured, this time they were silenced by Ohio's inspired play. Ohio State had not lost to an in-state foe since a 7-6 setback to Oberlin in 1921 — a string of 36 victories, most lopsided.

Ohio led 7-6 at the half and 14-6 midway through the third quarter and 14-12 heading into the fourth.