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Ohio State

Buckeyes near full strength for top-10 showdown at Notre Dame

Spencer-Holbrookby: Spencer Holbrook09/23/23SpencerHolbrook
Ryan Day by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
(Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is entering Saturday night’s top-10 clash at Notre Dame with a full, healthy starting lineup.

Two weeks ago, the Buckeyes had one starter — safety Josh Proctor — out. Last week, fellow safety Lathan Ransom was a game-time decision and ended up playing. And this week, Ohio State has yet another safety on the shelf for the biggest game of the season.

Defensive back Cameron Martinez, who has been a regular contributor for the Buckeyes, will not play Saturday night. Martinez has an undisclosed issue holding him out.

Of course, the Buckeyes would love to have the veteran Martinez suited up for a massive showdown on the road. But they’re healthy everywhere else, a good sign as they head into South Bend looking for a statement win.

With a clean bill of health, Ohio State is taking an aggressive, attacking mentality into Notre Dame Stadium.

“I think it’s critical, I think that’s our mentality,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We’ve got to go into this environment and embrace it and go get it, you know? There’s no other way to be. Our guys understand that. They feel that this week. And that’s way we’re going to play on Saturday night.”

With its entire starting lineup in tact, Ohio State is ready to roll into Saturday night with a statement win on its mind.

Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame: Game time, details

Notre Dame is 4-0 on the season and is averaging 50.5 points per game. The Fighting Irish are led by sixth-year quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred to Notre Dame from Wake Forest after a record-breaking career in the ACC. But it’s not just the Notre Dame offense that has been dominating opponents so far this season. The Irish are allowing just 11.8 points per game so far, but they haven’t seen a collection of talent like the collection assembled by the Buckeyes. For the first time since 1996, Ohio State is heading to South Bend for a massive showdown.

  • Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • TV Channel: NBC
  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
  • Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
  • Weather: High of 82º, 3% chance of rain during day, winds 8 mph
  • The line: Ohio State is a 3.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.
  • Over/under: 55.5 points

Other availability report notes

Freshman defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. is still out for the Buckeyes, as are sophomore wide receiver Kyion Grayes and fourth-year defender Kourt Williams II. Williams is expected to miss the entire season with a knee injury sustained during the preseason.

The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.

Questionable for Ohio State

 None

Out for Buckeyes

WR Kyion Grayes
TE Zak Herbstreit
DB Cam Martinez
DE Arvell Reese
DL Will Smith
WR Reis Stocksdale
DB/LB Kourt Williams II

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