Ohio running back Donte Harden is expected to return to play against Kent State after missing the Rutgers game last weekend.
"I'm definitely playing," Harden said. "I feel good. I'm getting better and better everyday. I'm still not 100 percent - more like 85 percent.
The Bobcats rushed for just 65 yards against the Scarlet Knights with Harden on the bench.
"I really can't miss this game," he said. "I want to be out there to help the team. We've got to get the win to start (Mid-American Conference) play so we can get on a role."
While he did say Harden will play, Ohio coach Frank Solich was not quite as optimistic.
"There's a little bit of reservations," Solich said. "He's pretty healthy right now, but will he be able to play and sustain that play for a long time without reinjuring it and setting it back four to five weeks is the question."
"Donte certainly wants to play. He's capable of playing. We'll see how long we use him," Solich said. "If he's feeling great and showing no signs of pain, we'll just keep going with him.
After leaving Saturday's game in the first half with a concussion, corner back Travis Carrie will be ready to play in the conference-opener.
"Travis is fine," Solich said. "He's full go."
While Harden and Carrie will return to the lineup for Ohio, defensive lineman Jeff King will not.
A week ago, King said this weekend's game would likely be the one he makes his season debut, but Solich said things did not work out as planned.
"It didn't work," Solich said. "He's going to have quite a spell before he has the opportunity to get back on the field because of his injury."
