Buckeyes missing two defensive depth pieces heading into The Game
COLUMBUS — Ohio State did everything it could to build its defensive depth.
Now the Buckeyes are going to put it to the test in the biggest matchup of the season.
Ohio State showed up at relatively full strength on Saturday morning at the Big House as they prepared for an all-or-nothing showdown with rival Michigan. But the Buckeyes will be missing a couple key options off the bench defensively with cornerback Sevyn Banks and linebacker Palaie Gaoteote both ruled out.
The Silver Bullets were also missing Banks in last week’s blowout victory over Michigan State, and the senior wasn’t able to make enough progress with an apparent leg injury to get back into the lineup with the Big Ten East Division title on the line.
“I just think that when you’re playing matchup games like this, it comes down to whatever edge you’re looking for,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on Tuesday. “Whether it’s a schematic edge, whether it’s an edge fundamentally, whatever it is, you have to find that edge in games like this.
“Both teams have played a lot of football now. So they kind of know where they’re at. It’s just a matter of now putting together a great game plan, practicing it and then putting it on the field Saturday.”
The moment has arrived for the Buckeyes, and they really couldn’t have asked for much more in terms of health at this point in the season.
Counting out a season-ending injury for safety Josh Proctor, Ohio State will have every projected starter available against Michigan. The depth is still going to be tested without those defenders or backup running back Master Teague cleared for action, but the status report was about as clean as could be otherwise.
The full Ohio State availability report for The Game is below, making note that the program doesn’t provide injury or potential disciplinary specifics.
Ohio State Game-time Decisions
- None
Unavailable Buckeyes
- WR Kamryn Babb
- CB Sevyn Banks
- RB Marcus Crowley
- DB Jantzen Dunn
- DE Tyler Friday
- LB Palaie Gaoteote
- DL Darrion Henry-Young
- DB Jakailin Johnson
- DB Jaylen Johnson
- LB Cade Kacherski
- DB Demario McCall
- DT Jaden McKenzie
- LB Mitchell Melton
- OL Harry Miller
- QB Jack Miller
- DT Noah Potter
- DB Josh Proctor
- TE Gee Scott
- RB Master Teague
