THE SIDELINES : With Rose Bowl Bid on the Line, 2 Key Players May Sit Out Game

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Ohio State and Michigan meet to help decide the Big Ten Conference title and a Rose Bowl berth this weekend in Ann Arbor, both teams could be without their leading rushers.

Michigan Coach Bo Schembechler said today that the Wolverines plan to play without Tony Boles, who twisted his right knee after running 17 yards on his first attempt last week at Minnesota. Ohio State’s John Cooper said tailback Carlos Snow, who reinjured a knee early in the Buckeyes’ game against Wisconsin, is doubtful against Michigan.

“We have decided this morning that we will not take a chance in playing Tony Boles this week, although we haven’t found anything seriously wrong with the knee,” Schembechler said. “Hopefully, he’ll be back for a bowl game. But as of right now, Tony Boles is out of the Ohio State game.”

Schembechler said Leroy Hoard would probably start in place of Boles at tailback, with Jarrod Bunch at fullback.

Cooper was less definite about Snow, who played only one series for the Buckeyes in a 42-22 victory over Wisconsin. “Carlos may play in the ballgame, but he won’t practice at all,” he said.