Ohio State was without the likes of running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the win at Purdue last week, but head coach Ryan Day is hopeful the team will have all of those contributors back on Saturday when No. 7 Penn State comes to Ohio Stadium.
“Yeah, I’m not going to get into all those guys,” Day said Tuesday. “But we are hopeful that we’ll have all those guys back for Saturday.”
The Buckeyes did not miss much of a beat, with Dallan Hayden stepping in to rush for 76 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, while Marvin Harrison Jr. did his usual thing with six receptions for 105 yards and a score in the 41-7 win. But against the Nittany Lions, any and all help will be needed as Ohio State prepares for its most significant challenge yet this season.
Day also did not offer an update on cornerback Denzel Burke or running back Chip Trayanum, who started against Purdue but left with injuries. While Trayanum’s status may ultimately not be significant if Henderson and Williams are available, Burke’s status could pose a challenge for Ohio State if the star cornerback is not able to take the field.
If Burke is not able to play, the Buckeyes would likely look to either Jordan Hancock, who has subbed in as an outside corner at times this season, or freshman Jermaine Mathews Jr., who has impressed in limited action, including a 58-yard pick six earlier this season.
“For a true freshman, he’s got a lot of guts, got a lot of moxie,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday. “He’s just talented and he’s shown the ability to make plays, so we’re confident putting him in there.”
