Ohio State Injury Report: Buckeyes starter doubtful to play against Miami – and good news elsewhere ahead of Cotton Bowl
Ohio State’s status report ahead of the Cotton Bowl between the Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a healthy Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate on the field when they play the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl.
That’s the best news that Ohio State can have heading into this College Football Playoff game. Both players returned to action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship, but neither was 100 percent healthy in that game. Heading into Wednesday’s game, neither player is on the status report that was released Sunday evening.
Ohio State offensive line starter out against Miami in the Cotton Bowl
Ryan Day had previously said that RG Tegra Tshabola would not play against Miami, and that it would have to be seen if he can play going forward during the CFP. On the initial status report, Tshabola is the only player listed as doubtful to play for the Buckeyes. Freshman WR Quincy Porter and S Malik Hartford will not play against the Hurricanes either. Backup DT Will Smith Jr. is probable to play and that is a win for the interior of the defensive line and its depth.
The initial report is good news for the Buckeyes with no new news. Gabe VanSickle will get the start at right guard for Tshabola and it will be the second straight game that he’s played in after relieving Tshabola in the game against Indiana. Ohio State seemed to be trending toward making a move at right guard anyway with the inconsistencies there and VanSickle was possibly going to be the starter this postseason no matter what. Backup OL Josh Padilla is expected to see some one at right guard as well.
The extra week off and not having to play a first-round game did the Buckeyes some good. Players were given extra time to rehab and rest from the regular season and conference championship game’s wear and tear. Now, the Buckeyes are set to take on a very talented Miami team with a spot in the semifinals on the line.