Ohio State Buckeyes picked up a 59-3 win over Kent State to move to 2-1 on the season. A couple of injuries popped up in this game for the Buckeyes, including one to an exciting freshman.

Running back Legend Bey suffered an ankle injury in the first half against Kent State and did not return to the game. Bey’s early exit marks a setback in what has been a slow start to his college career through the first three games of the season. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day provided an update on Bay’s status following the win.

Ryan Day opens up on Legend Bey’s ankle injury

“He tweaked his ankle early, and hopefully we’ll get him back this week,” Day stated. “We’ll get him evaluated and see. He was trying to get back in there, but wasn’t cleared.”

Bey had just one carry for no yards against Kent State before exiting. He also did not get to return a kickoff, a role the Buckeyes had hoped to feature him in after he experienced a couple of hiccups in that spot during the season opener against Ball State.

The freshman figured to see expanded playing time against Kent State in a game where the Buckeyes were heavily favored and could rotate through their depth chart. That opportunity never materialized. Bey had just one touch against Texas a week earlier, and the matchup with the Golden Flashes was supposed to be the kind of game where he could settle in.

On the season, Bey has two receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown, along with eight carries for 37 yards. The former four-star recruit played quarterback in high school in Texas before converting to running back at Ohio State. The Buckeyes like to get him in space because he has game-breaking ability, but through three games, that hasn’t exactly happened. 

As Ohio State heads into Big Ten play, the hope is that Bey can become a bigger part of what the Buckeyes do on offense. He adds an exciting element as a playmaker who can test defenses when he gets the ball in his hands.

The hope is that Bey will be able to practice next week and play against Illinois in the Big Ten opener. Time will tell if Bey can be back on the field that soon, and carve out the role the Buckeyes envisioned for him.