Ohio State has gotten some really strong play from freshman Jay Timmons this season. As a true freshman, he has already earned the trust of the coaches. Ryan Day trusted him so much that he starts at the nickel cornerback position. He's made the most of that trust.
So far this season, Timmons has made several impact plays. In four weeks, he has six tackles and a forced fumble, which occurred on the first play against Texas. However, his status against the Hawkeyes is up in the air, which is bad news for the Buckeyes.
Jay Timmons is a game-time decision for Ohio State
According to On3's Pete Nakos, Timmons is a true game-time decision. The Ohio State Buckeyes don't know if he is going to play until it gets closer to kickoff. That is not ideal for a team that has had some problems on the defensive side of the ball. He has already turned into a shutdown corner.
However, this is a game in which the Buckeyes might not need Timmons as much. Iowa will play a lot of 13 personnel, which would negate the need for Timmons to be out there. Ohio State will have its linebackers drop back into coverage more often, and those backers will be out there to stop the run, too.
Through four games, Iowa has just six touchdown passes. They don't do a lot of damage through the air. In fact, Jeremiah Smith almost has as many receiving yards (617) as the entire Hawkeyes team (854). That could mean that Timmons might not be needed to win this game.
Timmons is going to be needed in almost every other game Ohio State plays this year. His ability to shut down the inside portion of the field by taking out slot receivers is key to what Matt Patricia wants to do. Ohio State is going to have to defend the pass since they expect to be up early in most of their games.
Ohio State is already without one starter against Iowa
It has already been reported that Phillip Daniels will miss his third straight game. He was injured against Texas and hasn't been on the field since. However, his absence hasn't hurt the team. In fact, the offensive line might actually be better with him out of the lineup.
Kicking Austin Siereveld out to right tackle and putting Gabe VanSickle at right guard has worked better than expected so far. Of course, that will really be put to the test today against the Hawkeyes. They have the best defense in the country in terms of points per game allowed.
However, if the right side of the line plays well again, it is trending towards the Buckeyes keeping the lineup the same it has been in the last few games. That would mean that Daniels would find himself on the bench. The offensive line was the biggest issue a year ago, and Daniels was part of that problem.
Even if Daniels might not be the answer at right tackle, Ryan Day would love to have the option to play him. Getting him healthy as quickly as possible remains a priority.
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