The Ohio State Buckeyes, a week removed from a physical, emotional win at Penn State, face off against Purdue. In the win, a few players ended up a little banged up. The good news is the Ohio State availability report against Purdue has the Buckeyes at nearly full strength. Despite being favored by multiple touchdowns, it’s always welcome to have all of the playmakers available.
Six players are unavailable for the ninth game on the Ohio State schedule:
TC Caffey, RB (Season)
Will Kacmarek, TE
Zen Michalski, OT
Jace Middleton, TE
Josh Simmons, OT (Season)
Calvin Simpson-Hunt, CB
Ohio State Availability Report vs. Purdue: Williams Healthy, OL Still Banged Up
Perhaps the biggest note is that Tyleik Williams, the Buckeyes’ star defensive end, is healthy. In the win over Penn State, Williams left the game with what looked to be an ankle injury. Earlier in the week, Ryan Day said that Williams would be available. However, as Day has done before, Williams being available does not mean he is guaranteed to play. Earlier this year against Michigan State, Williams was “available” but did not play.
He’s been a force up front next to breakout defensive tackle, Ty Hamilton. Williams has logged 21 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two-and-a-half sacks in six appearances. If he doesn’t go or is on a pitch count, true freshman Eddrick Houston may be asked to step up after being converted from defensive end. Houston, in two appearances, has one tackle and two pass breakups.
The offensive line stepped up last week in the win with Michalski’s injury. This week, the unit will have to continue that play. Donovan Jackson did well at left tackle aside from two third-down sacks. At left guard, Carson Hinzman made a strong argument to keep his job. Ultimately, their impressive play likely put Day’s mind at ease as the Buckeyes won’t have to rush Michalski back.
Finally, at tight end, the Buckeyes had to lean on Gee Scott, Jr., Bennett Christian, and Jelani Thurman with Will Kacmarek still out. This week, Day said Kacmarek is a few days away from being healthy. However, the Ohio transfer will be unavailable this week and it would not be surprising if he was unavailable next week as well.
