The Ohio State football team took down Rutgers 42-9 on Senior Day, clearing the way for Michigan week. The Buckeyes looked sluggish in the first half against the Scarlet Knights without having Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate available for the game.
Both receivers were held out of the game due to what Ryan Day is calling lower-body injuries. Smith was able to play in the first half last week against UCLA, while Tate did not play at all. The passing game was certainly affected against Rutgers, as Julian Sayin threw for only 157 yards.
Right after the game was over, the page was turned toward Michigan week. The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to break a four-game losing streak. Right after beating Rutgers, Day was asked about Smith and Tate's availability for that game.
Ryan Day gives no update on Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate's availability for TTUN
During his postgame press conference, Day gave no update on Smith and Tate.
"The only thing I'll say really is they are day-to-day, and the staff and those guys are working really hard to get ready to play next week."
It's not surprising that Day didn't give any indication on whether or not they will play. He has played things close to the chest ever since he became a head coach. He won't let anyone know until Saturday morning whether or not they will have these guys ready to go.
Smith is almost certainly going to play. The Game falls on his birthday, and he loves to play football. He'll need to be dragged off the field to not play in that game. Tate is a different story. If Tate doesn't play next week, his tenure with the Buckeyes is likely over.
Fans will not be happy with Tate if he doesn't play next week. It seems like he's healthy enough to play, considering he warmed up against Purdue. The fanbase could quickly turn against him if he's not on the field to play in the biggest game of the year.
We will certainly keep you updated if we hear any news regarding the health of either star receiver in the lead up to this game.