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Ohio State Football: Luke Wypler seized his opportunity

By Riley Thomas

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Wypler (53) against Minnesota Golden Gophers during their game at Huntington Bank Stadium at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN on September 2, 2021.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 77
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Wypler (53) against Minnesota Golden Gophers during their game at Huntington Bank Stadium at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN on September 2, 2021.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 77 /
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Prior to the Ohio State football team’s week one matchup with Minnesota, it was announced the expected starting center Harry Miller would be unavailable. This gave the redshirt-freshman Luke Wypler the opportunity to start in the season-opener.

Typically freshmen stepping into an unexpected starting role like that does not end well. This was not the case for the former highly-touted recruit. Wypler played very well outside of a couple of bad snaps.

He was the anchor of the offensive line and was dominant at times. Wypler showed his ability to finish blocks with a pancake against Minnesota. In addition, he was solid as both a pass and run blocker.

Wypler did not have a perfect game but it was a great first start. He rose up to the challenge, this proves the Buckeyes really do have good depth on the offensive line this season.

The Offensive Line coach, Greg Studrawa, did say during the offseason he really liked his unit this season. Studrawa discussed some of the depth OSU has this season on the o-line,

"“I love the other options. I’m telling you right now, I got 10 guys. I think the backups would start at a lot of places, in my opinion.”"

Wypler’s performance proved Studrawa was right. There are a lot of talented guys backing up the starters on the offensive line this season. Having several players like Wypler, Matthew Jones, or Donovan Jackson that can step in and play well when starters are missing is extremely valuable.

Ahead of Saturday’s game against Oregon, the status of the starting center Miller is still unknown. Wypler could have himself another starting role, and he’s preparing for it,

"“I’m still preparing like I’m a starter, until I’m told otherwise.”"

With that said, if Wypler plays very well again, Miller could be in danger of losing his starting spot. It would be very difficult for Ohio State to take Wypler out of his starting role if he puts on two good back-to-back performances.

Ultimately, Miller does have more experience than Wypler does, and really that’s irreplaceable at times. Miller losing his starting spot is a conversation to be had at another time.

Next. Ohio State vs. Oregon: Final prediction. dark

We need to see if Miller plays first against Oregon, if not, then the Ohio State football team is still in good hands at center with Wypler starting.

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