Ryan Day expects Ohio State defense at full strength vs. Michigan

Ryan Day expects his Ohio State defense to be at full strength for the Buckeyes’ rivalry game against Michigan.

The Buckeyes’ defense really turned it up as of late, despite being down guys like Tommy Eichenberg and Mike Hall. However, Ohio State needs all of its firepower against the Wolverines.

Day seemed pretty confident that his defense would fire off on all cylinders during rivalry week.

“Just not having Tommy out there, you know, we’ve had a couple of guys down,” Day said after the Minnesota win. “I think we should be at full capacity next week, which is great. But it’s all going to be tested next week. But we are seeing the strides. I mean, it is what it is. We’re getting better every week. 

“But it’s all good. It’s all headed towards the end of the season playing our best football … I will try to give you guys somewhat of an update next week. But yeah, we’re expecting to get everybody back.”

Lettermen Row reported Eichenberg would be good to go for Michigan after being held out against Minnesota.

In nine games this season, Eichenberg has been all over the field. He has 73 total tackles, 37 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.

Over the course of the career, Eichenberg has 259 total tackles, 147 solo tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, five pass deflections, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and one touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Eichenberg was a four-star recruit out of Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 10 overall prospect in the state, the No. 43 linebacker in the class and the No. 368 overall prospect in the class.

As far as Hall is concerned, getting him back on the field with Eichenberg against Michigan is paramount. This year, Hall has 17 total tackles, six solo tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in six games.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Hall was a four-star recruit out of Streetsboro (Ohio) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 8 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 61 overall prospect in the class.