This week is perhaps the most important game that the Ohio State football team will play this season. After already picking up a loss against Texas, the Buckeyes cannot afford to get another loss. One more loss pushes them back against the wall in terms of making the College Football Playoff.
Last week against Maryland, the Ohio State Buckeyes were missing two starting offensive linemen. Phillip Daniels was out for the fourth straight game, while Austin Siereveld was ruled out just hours before the game. Ryan Day confirmed that Ohio State will have Daniels back this week.
Ohio State will have Phillip Daniels back vs. Indiana
During his weekly press conference, Day confirmed that Daniels will be returning to the lineup. He mentioned that Daniels will be getting a full day of practice and should be starting once again. However, he did not mention what Siereveld's status is.
Day was also asked about other offensive linemen and how they might react if they are needed to fill in. He responded that they are going to need everyone.
"This is not something that you don't plan for. We have a plan in place. That's why we recruit depth. That's why we develop depth. That's why we play depth. That's what we're going to have to do in this game, and then be prepared for whatever comes with it. The good news is that some of these guys have played against Indiana before, so they know how good these guys are and what comes with it."
Ohio State has more talent than the Hoosiers across the board, but they need to be healthy. The offensive line has had some problems this year, and not being healthy up front could be a disaster. Getting Daniels back helps that, but it would be ideal to have Siereveld available, too.
If Siereveld doesn't play, Gabe VanSickle will likely play right guard. He had to swing to right tackle for the Maryland game and did okay. He has much more experience playing guard, so this would be a more natural position for him. He's played the majority of the season at right guard with Daniels out.
Ohio State needs to help the offensive line out
Indiana's front seven is very talented. They are going to put a lot of pressure on Ohio State's offensive line throughout the game. Arthur Smith needs to call some plays that can help the offensive line out, especially early in the game. That means calling some plays to get the ball out of Julian Sayin's hands quickly.
IU's secondary is suspect compared to what they had a year ago. That means that Jeremiah Smith can feast if Sayin is given enough time to throw him the ball. Some quick routes early in the game could neutralize the pass rush that the Hoosiers will be able to give them.
Running the ball well would help that, as well. Last week, the Buckeyes finally had a player run for over 100 yards in a game. Bo Jackson was the guy who was able to reach that mark. Getting downhill in the running game would certainly help the offensive line get into a rhythm, as well.
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