Ohio State Buckeyes have a position battle that’ll play out this week in practice ahead of playing Penn State
This one will be key for the Buckeyes.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have done what they wanted offensively this season when they really push things and try to open up. But for the most part, they lean forward defensively first, at least through the first seven weeks of the season. Saturday’s matchup against Penn State will be a chance for the Buckeyes to improve to 8-0 and they’ll get their first matchup against former OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Ahead of the game against Penn State, Ohio State will need to make a key decision on the protection up front for QB Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes will let that play out in practice this week ahead of the game on Saturday.
A battle at right guard is happening ahead of facing Penn State for the Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are solid up front with Austin Sierveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels. Ohio State knows who they’re rolling with for the rest of the season along the offensive line outside of right guard, where a change could be coming. The Buckeyes rotated Tegra Tshabola and Josh Padilla at right guard last time out against Wisconsin. Padilla played 26 snaps against Wisconsin and Tshabola only played in 44 snaps of his own despite being the starter. Ohio State will let the two compete in practice this week with no for sure starter at this time.
“We spun those guys this week, got them a bunch of reps, but we’ll let it continue throughout the week,” Day said on Monday. “We’re going to try to make sure we put the best guys in the game, especially for a game like this, that gives us the best chance to win. But we feel confident with both of them in the game.”
Ohio State needs depth along the offensive line regardless and Padilla pushing to play is a great sign. Tshabola is in his second season as a starter with the Buckeyes, but inconsistent play has forced the Buckeyes to look at other options to see if they’re better. Ohio State learned last year just how crucial offensive line depth is when they lost LT Josh Simmons and C Seth McLaughlin to injuries. Without the offensive line depth that stepped up, the Buckeyes wouldn’t have won it all.
Penn State’s front is going to present a bigger problem than most defensive fronts the Buckeyes have faced this year. Julian Sayin hasn’t faced much pressure at all Penn State’s DC Knowles will look to change that. This right guard position is a key one to watch on Saturday.
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