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Ohio State will be without three starting offensive linemen and starting linebacker Tuf Borland, three-time captain, for Saturday’s game at Michigan State.
The Buckeyes pre-game report lists Borland, as well as offensive line starters Thayer Munford, Josh Myers and Nicholas Petit-Frere. Key reservists like security Josh Proctor and defensive end Tyler Friday, who started the opener, will also be unavailable against the Spartans.
A total of 23 Ohio state players are listed as out, several of whom were also in the previous status report ahead of his Nov. 21 game against Indiana.
“It’s been a tough week for everyone,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told ESPN’s College GameDay. “Two of the last three weeks have been called off so it’s been an emotional roller coaster. It’s an opportunity for our guys to really show their leadership and what this team is made of. We’re shorthanded, but it’s is going to be a great day. “
The state of Ohio does not list reasons why players miss games in their report. The team canceled last week’s game in Illinois after an increase in COVID-19 cases among players and staff.
Day has also tested positive and will not train against Michigan State on Saturday. Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson will lead the team.
“This is a great opportunity, in a strange year, to show how resilient our team is, how strong our team is and it’s all about winning,” Day told College GameDay. “You win, you move on – whatever that looks like. We’re shorthanded. We’ve got guys. But we’re going to bring the team together and find a way to win. And whatever it looks like. You just have to leave East Lansing with a win … and then we’ll see what next week looks like. “
Borland is tied for second on the team with 19 tackles and 199 for his career, including 18 for loss and six sacks. He started 31 games for Ohio State and appeared in 46.
Meyers and Petit-Frere started Ohio State’s first four games on the offensive tackle, and Myers started the first four at center. First-year offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is also unavailable for Saturday’s game.
“We’re going to have a few starters in there who haven’t played a lot of football,” Day said of College GameDay’s offensive line. “You come to Ohio state for a reason. You don’t come to Ohio state because it’s easy. You come here because it’s difficult, and it’s great. opportunity for these guys to step up. “
Team doctor Dr Jim Borchers said on Friday that the positivity rate of the population of the state of Ohio, which had passed the Big Ten threshold and led to the cancellation of Illinois , was “now back on the seven-day moving average to a level that allows us to safely compete. weekend.”
Big Ten policy requires players who test positive for coronavirus to miss a minimum of 21 days, which includes cardiac screening and reconditioning before clearance.
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