Most of the injury conversation surrounding Ohio State has been centered around the quarterback position, and for good reason. Julian Sayin is likely done for the year, so the Buckeyes need someone else to step up and lead the offense. However, they have other injury problems.
Austin Siereveld is back, and Ryan Day let everyone know that on Tuesday. However, there were still questions surrounding Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jay Timmons. Jackson Jr. was helped off the field against Indiana, while Timmons missed the last couple of drives. Now, we know more about their status ahead of Saturday night.
Ohio State should have Kenyatta Jackson Jr. back, Jay Timmons' status unclear
Jackson Jr. did not appear on the first injury report released by the Big Ten. That is good news, as that means he should be ready to go against USC. Ohio State needs as many pass-rush options as it can get. They haven't been able to get many sacks this year.
While Jackson Jr. has been a little disappointing so far this season, that doesn't mean that he can't be a factor in this game if he is healthy. Ohio State needs all of the experience that it can get on either side of the ball. The Buckeyes will need to lean on the defense to win this game, anyway.
Jay Timmons' status is still up in the air. He is officially listed as questionable. Ryan Day mentioned that Timmons will be traveling with the team to Los Angeles, but they will make a determination in the next couple of days about whether he will actually be able to play on Saturday night.
Quite honestly, the Ohio State Buckeyes need Timmons more than Jackson Jr. Timmons has shown himself to be an incredible playmaker, punching out fumbles and locking down receivers. Even as a true freshman, he might be the best player on the defensive side of the ball.
Ohio State will have a different game plan to beat the Trojans
In most of the games the Buckeyes have played this season, they have used the passing game to overwhelm opponents. It makes sense to get Jeremiah Smith the ball as much as possible. While they will still try to get Smith the ball, it would be shocking to see Ohio State drop back and throw it 35 times.
Running the ball well and using the defense to shut down the Trojans' offense is likely how this game is going to be won. Matt Patricia has proven that he can coach up the defense to the point that they can be trusted to win games for the Scarlet and Gray. That will have to be the case in this one.
Once the new starting quarterback, likely Luke Fahey, gets into a bit of a rhythm, perhaps they'll open up the playbook a bit. Until then, Day is likely going to lean into a more conservative game plan. Keeping the guys healthy for the rest of the season will be necessary to win a national title.
Timmons definitely needs to be part of that equation.
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