CAN I GET A BIG MAC? Donovan Jackson, Cody Simon, Tyleik Williams, Carnell Tate and Lathan Ransom have all suffered bumps, bruises and other ailments that forced them to miss at least one game for Ohio State this season. When each of them was on the mend, Day described them as “day-to-day.” This week, he used
the label for Williams a second time after the defensive tackle exited the Penn State game in the fourth quarter.
Even though Day said Williams is
trending toward being available on Saturday, considering Ohio State is a 38-point favorite over Purdue – and the Buckeyes don’t
need him to win — it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a game-time decision and does not appear in the contest. Then, after the game, Day will comment, “Tyleik could have played in an emergency,” and we will all move on to Northwestern.
If Williams does, in fact, miss the Purdue game, Ohio State would love to see what Kayden McDonald could do with extra opportunities. McDonald has flashed in goal-line situations the past two weeks, maximizing the size and strength of his 6-foot-3, 326-pound frame to bulldoze Nebraska and Penn State offensive linemen and running backs inches from the end zone.
McDonald’s success in those moments made Knowles call the sophomore defensive tackle one of the best game-wreckers on the defensive line.
“When you put him in those situations, he’s head up at the center, and his job is to knock the center back. I think he’s showing the ability to really change the game and change the line of scrimmage,” Knowles said. “He’s definitely someone who’s earning himself more playing time.”
Day agreed with his defensive coordinator.
“K-Mac really stepped us for us. We’re hoping he can continue to give us more and more snaps,” he said. “Two weeks in a row, there’s been big spots for him to step up in. We’re gonna continue to try and find ways to get him on the field.”
Seth McLaughlin's "Run the Damn Ball" hats are back on sale, Caleb Downs is a future top-10 pick and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse adds an Ohio Stadium cake to its menu.
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