Ohio State expects most of the six starters who sat out last week’s 45-16 win over Maryland to return for Saturday’s road game against undefeated Indiana.
The No. 4 Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) head to Bloomington for a noon ET kickoff on FOX against the No. 5 Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0). A win would position the victor as the clear favorite for the Big Ten title.
Coach Ryan Day said on the Buckeye Roundtable show Monday night that the team should get a good portion of the missing players back, though not everyone.
“It was kind of a strange week. Some strange things, a few non-football-related issues that popped up. So just had to manage it the best we could … I don’t think we’ll get all of them back, but we should get a good portion of them back for Indiana,” Day said.
The six players who missed the Maryland game were wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin, offensive linemen Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels, linebacker Christian Alliegro and nickel Jay Timmons.
Day indicated after Saturday’s game that Daniels, sidelined since an injury against Texas, is on track for a full week of practice.
“I think we can get Phil back. I think he’ll have a full week of practice. That’s the plan,” Day said.
Siereveld remains day-to-day after an illness kept him out just hours before kickoff against Maryland. He is the player most likely to still be limited.
McCuin and Timmons were game-time decisions last week and took part in pregame warmups before sitting out, raising hopes they can play.
Alliegro and Inniss were also ruled out against Maryland after playing in the previous game against Iowa.
Ohio State’s offense ranks among the nation’s best, averaging 42.7 points and 502.2 yards per game. The defense has held opponents to 13.2 points per game.
Indiana’s defense has been even stingier, allowing just 11.8 points per contest while the offense scores 40.2 points per game.
The Hoosiers are coming off a 20-17 road win at Nebraska, extending their winning streak to 22 games. They are the defending national champions after beating Ohio State 13-10 in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game.
The Buckeyes have won their last four games since a 24-23 loss at Texas on Sept. 12.
Depth at offensive tackle has been a concern, making the potential returns of Siereveld and Daniels critical for protecting quarterback Julian Sayin.
Jeremiah Smith continues to produce at a high level despite the injuries around him, scoring twice against Maryland.
The Buckeyes will need a complete performance in a hostile environment. Indiana has won its last two games by a combined 26 points, but both were tighter than earlier blowouts.
Saturday’s matchup carries major implications. The winner moves into the driver’s seat for a Big Ten championship berth and a high College Football Playoff seed.
Ohio State’s coaching staff managed the unusual injury situation carefully last week to preserve as much health as possible for this game.
