Ryan Day could be making a costly mistake that may help Penn State hand the Buckeyes their second loss
If the game against Nebraska meant anything, Ryan Day is making a very questionable decision against Penn State that could really cost the Buckeyes. On Tuesday, Day said that the Buckeyes would be starting Zen Michalski at left tackle if he was healthy enough to go against the Nittany Lions. Michalski had a tough showing […]
If the game against Nebraska meant anything, Ryan Day is making a very questionable decision against Penn State that could really cost the Buckeyes.
On Tuesday, Day said that the Buckeyes would be starting Zen Michalski at left tackle if he was healthy enough to go against the Nittany Lions. Michalski had a tough showing against Nebraska and exited with an injury late.
Going up against Penn State, the Buckeyes will have to worry about edge rusher Abdul Carter, who is a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter has had a three-game run with 16 pressures and three sacks. The potential for them to wreck the Buckeyes’ offensive game plan is real.
Michalski struggled badly against Nebraska and it can’t be sugarcoated. Pro Football Focus gave the senior an abysmal 14.2 pass-blocking grade. In 20 opportunities, Michalski gave up four pressures and a pair of sacks against the Cornhuskers. Ohio State losing left tackle Josh Simmons has proven to be a drastic loss that shines a light on the recruiting flaws along the offensive line.
After Michalski exited, Donovan Jackson slid over to left tackle and Luke Montgomery entered as the left guard. That approach has to be a better option for Ohio State against an NFL-caliber defensive line. Penn State’s defense is going to key in on Michalski if he is out there, they watch the film just like any other team.
It is yet to be seen if Michalski will actually be able to go at noon on Saturday. A week of practice will wrap up before that and give Ohio State an idea. Ryan Day committing to Michalski as the starter if healthy is worrisome unless he knows that Michalski isn’t actually going to give it a go.
Say Ohio State gets into a drop back game, Carter has the ability to cause some real issues for the quarterback. If the Buckeyes want a big win on the road, they can not allow him to do just that.
