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COLUMBUS - Maurice Clarett promised to be in Ohio State's lineup against No.12 Michigan Saturday. Whether the freshman running back will actually play Saturday is unknown.

Clarett has been struggling to recover from a shoulder injury that has limited his play in the last three games for the No. 2 Buckeyes.

After last week's overtime victory against Illinois, Clarett made it clear what he thought of the Michigan game.

"I wouldn't care if I was 20 percent. You're going to see Maurice Clarett on the field (against Michigan)," he said.

The freshman's shoulder injury is described as a stinger. Coach Jim Tressel described Clarett's status this week as similar to last week when doctors and trainers said he could be available.

"I can't promise you that he will," Tressel said.

BRUCE VIEW: Ohio state hasn't won two straight games over Michigan since 1981-82. But former OSU head coach Earle Bruce thinks the tide is about to turn.

"We need to beat Michigan a few years in a row," Bruce said. "And I think Coach (Jim) Tressel and the football team will do that."

Although Bruce hasn't faced Michigan for 15 years, he hasn't forgotten what a win over the Wolverines can do for a coach.

"It lets you walk the main streets of Columbus, Ohio," he said. "Or if you lose, you go to the alleys."

ETC.: If Ohio State beats Michigan, the Big Ten would have its first undefeated, untied co-champions since 1943. Iowa completed its season with an 8-0 league mark, and Ohio State is 7-0 ... OSU kicker Mike Nugent is one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation's outstanding kicker. The sophomore from Centerville has made 24 of 26 field goals.