The state of Ohio will be without some major contributors on Friday.
Sophachore defensive end Zach Harrison, redshirt second-year full-back Master Teague, junior defensive end Tyler Friday and second second left-back Harry Miller have all been ruled out for the Sugar Bowl versus Clemson, according to the team’s status report 80 minutes before kick-off. has been released.
A total of 13 bursary players will not be drafted for the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Offensive guard Enokk Vimahi, linebacker Craig Young, offensive linebacker Josh Fryar, offensive linebacker Grant Toutant and tighthead Joe Royer will run out for the Sugar Bowl after being available against Northwestern two weeks ago. Cornerback Cameron Brown, defensive line Jacolbe Cowan, wide receiver Jaylen Harris and safety Kourt Williams all missed extended time due to injuries and stay out.
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Ohio State Status Report for Sugar Bowl |
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| PLAY TIME DECISION |
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S RONNIE HICKMAN |
| AVAILABLE |
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DE ZACH HARRISON |
Broad receiver Chris Olave, linebacker Baron Browning, safety Marcus Hooker, player Drue Chrisman, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste are expected to be available on Friday after the Big Ten-title match put out. Rugby safety Ronnie Hickman, an unexpected scrape against North West due to injury, is a decision at stake.
The status report does not reveal the reason why each player is not available, nor does it set an expected timeline for their return to the field. However, Miller’s mother posted on Facebook that the starting guard tested positive for coronavirus.
It’s unclear why Teague misses the Sugar Bowl, but he left the Big Ten Championship game before it was over and did not return, watching the rest of it without his helmet from the sidelines. Trey Sermon, who holds a 331-yard game record, will get the hardship out of the backfield.
No Harrison and Friday at the end of the defense will result in Jonathon Cooper, Tyreke Smith and Jean-Baptiste getting the fastest against Clemson. Noah Potter and Cormontae Hamilton could also be in the mix.
Miller’s absence likely means Matthew Jones will play between Thayer Munford and center Josh Myers on the left guard. The third year out of New York was once a coveted top-100 recruiter. He started his first career against Michigan State a few weeks ago when Munford, Myers and Nicholas Petit-Frere all missed the game and switched Miller to center. Since Vimahi is also unavailable, Dawand Jones could be the best attacking linebacker off the bench.