The Ohio State football team was able to take down Purdue 33-10 without too much stress. While the Buckeyes would have loved to win the game by a wider margin, they were down two starters on offense. Neither Carnell Tate nor Phillip Daniels played in this game.
Ryan Day decided to hold both players out for precautionary reasons. For a game against the worst team in the Big Ten, it was a smart move. They didn't need to risk any further injury from either player. However, the Buckeyes did show that they have an issue up front.
The right guard position has been an issue all season long. Tegra Tshabola has been the weak link on the offensive line throughout this season, and Joshua Padillia has been getting some first-team reps. For the first time, Day acknowledged that there is an issue at that spot.
Ryan Day acknowledges right guard issue for the Ohio State football team
After the game, Day was asked about the right guard spot. It sure sounds like he's ready to make a change once Padilla gets healthy.
“It’s kind of one of those things. We’re gonna continue to look at it. I agree (the play was inconsistent) because I watched it and saw it, but then there were some other things that were good. But we need to grade out a champion here. That’s for everybody. That’s what the expectation is. … We’re gonna make sure, in the end, we've got the best guys on the field.”
That statement surely didn't show much confidence in what Tshabola is able to give the Ohio State Buckeyes. Day wouldn't have said anything like that if he thought Tshabola was playing up to the standard that has been set. Day knows that the team has to be stout up front.
Once Padilla is able to get healthy, the Buckeyes are likely going to make a switch. Tshabola whiffed on several blocks against Purdue, the worst team in the Big Ten. Quite frankly, he isn't the best option at the right guard spot.