By Ryan Isley (Cleveland.com) -

For Jim Tressel and the Ohio State football program, it is fourth-and-goal trailing by three.

Instead of going for the field goal to tie the game, it is up to Tressel to have the guts to go for the touchdown and the win.

Of course, this is not a real game. It is the game being played off the field. The one that involves tattoos, championship rings, gold pants and improper benefits.

The NCAA has already suspended quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Daniel Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas for the first five games next season, but will allow them to play in the Sugar Bowl this season.

It is now up to Tressel to either kick the field goal and go along with the NCAA ruling or go for the touchdown and suspend the players himself from playing or even traveling to the Sugar Bowl.

If Tressel really does hold the traditions at Ohio State in such high reverence as he always claims, Pryor, Herron, Posey, Adams and Thomas will be home watching the Sugar Bowl the same as most fans.

What these five players did was inexcusable, even if they did not realize that selling their rings and gold pants was against NCAA rules. What they did by selling these items was look at the tradition of the Ohio State football program and spit on it.

All five of these players have won three pairs of gold pants while at Ohio State and each also has won three Big Ten championship rings.

In 1934, then-head coach Francis Schmidt was asked how the Buckeyes would fare against Michigan in their annual rival game. Schmidt’s answer is one that still rings in the ears of Ohio State players and fans to this day:

“They put their pants on one leg at a time, same as we do!”

Since 1934, every Ohio State coach and player involved in a win over Michigan has received a miniature pair of gold pants to wear as a medallion

Ever since day one as the head coach at Ohio State, Tressel has talked about the tradition of the school and the football program, has embraced the Michigan rivalry and has talked at nauseam about how he wants his players to do the right thing, not only on the football field but off of it as well.

With three of his best offensive playmakers now facing the loss of the first five games of their senior seasons, but still being able to play in the Sugar Bowl for this season’s team, it is time for Tressel to put his money where his mouth has been.

Stand up for morals and traditions, for knowing right from wrong, for setting an example over winning at any cost.

These five players need to learn that what they did was wrong. Sure, the NCAA suspending them for five games was harsh and will send a message, but how much of a message does it send when they decide to allow the players to still play in their next game?

That is where Tressel needs to step in and finish the message that if you do wrong, you will be punished and that punishment will not be lenient enough to allow you to play another game before serving the suspension.

For once in his career, Tressel needs go against his close-the-vest approach, pull the kicker back to the sideline and put the offense on the field to go for the endzone.

Only this offense needs to be led by Joe Bauserman, Brandon Saine and Dane Sanzenbacher come January 4.

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Related posts:

1. Buckeyes pay the price for selling their gold pants
2. Fox Sports: Suspended Buckeyes should miss bowl
3. Jim Tressel To Leave Ohio State After Bowl Game
4. Ohio State Quarterback Pryor, Four Buckeyes Suspended by NCAA Next Season
5. Here’s how Ohio State will try to replace suspended players next season