Ohio State does not identify players who test positive for COVID-19 or share reasons any player is unavailable. Some are injured, some could be rehabbing injuries and others could be out as a result of contact tracing.
Chris Olave, the Big Ten’s leader in receiving yards per game, is available after missing the Big Ten Championship game win over Northwestern on Dec. 19, but starting running back Master Teague is out.
Teague started every game this season but left the Big Ten Championship game with an unidentified injury. That helped clear the way for Trey Sermon, who split time with Teague all season, to run for a school-record 331 yards.
Sermon is likely to start in Teague’s place while Ohio State has multiple options to replace Miller. The start at left guard is likely to go to Matt Jones or Dawand Jones.
Ohio State football: ‘Kicking butt’ could decide Sugar Bowl; other storylines to watch in Friday’s game @marcushartman https://t.co/nFzSD6qdXJ
— Dayton Daily News (@daytondailynews) January 1, 2021
Three other offensive linemen are unavailable against the Tigers — Enokk Vimahi, Grant Toutant and Josh Fryar.
Also back are punter Drue Chrisman, linebacker Baron Browning and reserve safety Bryson Shaw as well as reserve receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Also unavailable are defensive linemen Tyler Friday, Zach Harrison, Zaid Hamdan and Jacolbe Cowan. Friday and Harrison are not starters, but they would be part of the regular rotation at end if available.
Also out are defensive backs Cam Brown and Kourt Williams (both season-ending injuries), linebackers Craig Young and Cade Kacherski, tight end Joe Royer and walk-on quarterback Danny Vanatsky.
Reserve safety Ronnie Hickman is a game-time decision.
About the Author
