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Ohio State

Healthy Buckeyes expected to have all projected starters available

Austin-Wardby: AustinWard_10/23/20AWardSports
Haskell Garrett by Birm-Lettermen Row
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett is expected to play for the Buckeyes. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State roster isn’t completely healthy, but the projected starting lineup is expected to be completely intact for the opener.

Nothing can ever be taken for granted during this unusual season in the midst of a pandemic. But as of Friday morning, the Buckeyes are expecting to be close to full strength as they open the Big Ten slate against Nebraska.

Outside linebacker Justin Hilliard is considered a game-time decision according to the program’s availability report, but the senior appears to be the only rotation regular dealing with any uncertainty heading into the matchup on Saturday at noon in the Horseshoe.

Ohio State doesn’t specify any injuries and isn’t planning to release any COVID-testing details this season. But so far, the Buckeyes appear to have managed the health of the roster through training camp well on the eve of kickoff.

“It’s an ongoing deal,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said. “This is going to go on for a while, and we have to continue to be vigilant in that area, not get fatigued with following all the protocols, doing what we have to do and making the sacrifices that have been made. That’s been everybody. And that’s not easy to do. It’s an emphasis every single day. I’ve made it my vow to the players that I’ll bring it up every single day.

Taron Vincent-Ohio State-Buckeyes-Ohio State football

Ohio State has been waiting for Taron Vincent to emerge at defensive tackle. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

“We talk about it every single day because it’s that important.”

Assuming nothing new pops up, the Buckeyes should be able to unleash a first-choice lineup as nearly four-touchdown favorites against the Huskers. Most notably, that includes the availability of defensive tackles Haskell Garrett and Taron Vincent, who had injury concerns during camp that left that unit seemingly a bit thin.

Instead, Garrett’s recovery from a gunshot wound and Vincent’s rehabilitation from a shoulder issue appear to be on schedule and both are cleared for competition.

Ohio State Game-Time Decisions

  • LB Justin Hilliard
  • DT Jaden McKenzie 

Unavailable Buckeyes

  • CB Lejond Cavazos
  • DL Jacolbe Cowan
  • RB Marcus Crowley
  • OG Gavin Cupp
  • LB Tommy Eichenberg
  • WR Jaylen Harris
  • WR Austin Kutscher
  • LS Roen McCullough
  • DB Alec Taylor
  • QB Danny Vanatsky
  • SAF Kourt Willilams
  • RB Miyan Williams

 

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