As last week wore on, it became obvious to OSU coaches that defensive end John Simon would miss the Michigan game ? his final collegiate game ? because of a swollen right knee. Defensive coordinator Luke Fickell wanted to inform the Buckeyes defenders on Friday, but coach Urban Meyer told him to hold off.
?He said, ?We don?t know for sure. If he has an opportunity, he?s going to be out there,? ? Fickell said.
The decision that Simon wouldn?t play was made before the game, which suddenly thrust players such as sophomore Michael Bennett and freshman Adolphus Washington into the fore.
?Guys had to step up and fill a big role,? senior defensive end Nathan Williams said. ?I think we all took a deep breath after the first series when Adolphus Washington had a sack. It was, ?OK, we can do this with these guys.? That?s a testament to our defensive line, and to coach (Mike) Vrabel getting guys prepared. We knew there was no replacing John Simon.?
Washington forced a fumble by Devin Gardner to stop Michigan?s first series and heard from Simon throughout the game.
?He was giving me pointers every time I came off the field, what to keep doing, what not to do,? Washington said.
