Ohio State’s running backs room was in flux for much of the second half of the season, with Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson each missing games down the stretch.
Henderson’s injury was enough to hold him out of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run, which kicks off on Saturday against No. 1 Georgia in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Although Williams has battled injury for much of the season, he’s made a push to play against the Bulldogs during Ohio State’s bowl practices throughout December. Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Williams has been ramping up activity with the desire to compete on Saturday.
“Miyan had a really good go (in practice on Monday),” Wilson said. “The most work he’s had to date.”
While Williams has worked through his injury over the past month, he did not make an appearance at his scheduled press conference on Tuesday. Instead, Chip Trayanum spoke on behalf of the running backs on Tuesday, noting that Williams was “under the weather” but will be “going to be ready to go” against the Bulldogs.
Although Williams played in Ohio State’s season finale, it was clear that he wasn’t at full strength against the Wolverines. The Cincinnati native carried the ball just eight times while picking up 34 yards. Williams rushed for 817 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season.
If Williams is unable to give the Buckeyes sustained play against the Bulldogs, Ohio State could fall back on Trayanum and freshman Dallan Hayden to carry the load on the ground. Trayanum, who spent a majority of the season at linebacker before being switched back to his natural position of running back, said that he’s happy to be back on offense.
“I didn’t come here (to play running back) but there was an offer on the table for me at the time. But I definitely feel like it helps every play,” Trayanum said. “(I’m) definitely grateful for Coach Knowles for the time I did spend in that room, but I’m also grateful to these guys I have on offense. Ever since I’ve been back on offense, just been getting nothing but praise and confidence from our teammates, and that ultimately helps me. And I’ve just been grateful to be back in this position and ultimately doing whatever I can for the team.”
