Ohio State will be down a key starter for their game against Marshall. Star 3-technique defensive tackle Tyleik Williams will not play, but left guard Donovan Jackson has returned to the offensive line.
It was initially expected that Ohio State would emerge from their Week 3 bye in good health after Ryan Day mentioned that Donovan Jackson was “ready to roll” on Tuesday. However, the Buckeyes will now rely on their depth at defensive tackle due to the absence of Tyleik Williams.
Williams’ injury hasn’t been specified, but he was seen favoring his shoulder during the game against Western Michigan in Week 2. Hero Kanu has primarily stepped in as the backup 3-technique, playing 16 snaps, while Kayden McDonald has risen to be the No. 3 defensive tackle, contributing four tackles and a pass breakup in 34 snaps. Though McDonald typically plays nose tackle, he could also be an option at 3-tech, as could starting nose guard Ty Hamilton.
Caden Curry has seen some action at 3-tech in special pass-rushing situations, and Ohio State may utilize that approach more frequently on third down against Marshall with Williams out. Jason Moore reportedly made significant progress at 3-technique during the spring, and Will Smith Jr. and Tywone Malone might also see more playing time due to Williams’ absence.
Currently, Williams is the only scholarship player unavailable for Ohio State against Marshall, with walk-on running backs TC Caffey and Rashid SeSay also out, the former for the season due to a knee injury.
Jackson’s return allows Ohio State to field its complete starting five on the offensive line for the first time this season. Austin Siereveld has done well filling in at left guard in the first two games, but with Jackson back, a 26-game starter over the past two years, the Buckeyes aim to continue their effective run-blocking that generated 273 yards at an average of seven yards per carry against Western Michigan.
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