The Ohio State football program has had field turf at Ohio Stadium for quite some time. Ever since the 2007 season, turf has been in the Shoe. They use slit turf, which is the same kind of turf used in a lot of NFL stadiums. That kind of turf is under a lot of fire.
That kind of turf has been linked to an increase in concussions in the NFL. It's one of the reasons why the NFLPA has demanded that teams stop putting turf into new stadiums. They want everyone to play on grass, which is softer and cushions the blow of a fall more than turf.
Ohio State's turf has been the talk of a lot of Buckeye fans lately. Even though the turf was recently replaced, it seems like players have a big issue keeping their footing on that turf. Players slip a lot. And now, Seth McLaughlin has torn his Achilles practicing on the same turf.
The Ohio State football program should go back to a grass field in Ohio Stadium
For many decades, there was no issue having grass in Ohio Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes should be able to play on grass even now. It's safer for them and their opponents, and it seems to be able to keep players on their feet better. Take last week's game against Northwestern as an example of that.
Northwestern added sod onto Wrigley Field to cover up the dirt of the infield and the warning track. There was not a single instance of a player slipping during a route or while trying to make a move with the ball. I can count on one hand how often that's happened in the Shoe this season.
The Buckeyes need this. The last thing they need is another player going down with a season-ending injury. They have the resources to keep their players safer. A new athletic director needs to make the move to do it.