Ohio State is heading into its College Football Playoff showdown with Miami at nearly full strength - and that’s big news for a team looking to make a serious run. Outside of one key injury on the offensive line, the Buckeyes are expected to have all hands on deck when they take the field at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The biggest question mark remains at right guard, where veteran Tegra Tshabola is listed as doubtful. Tshabola has been a fixture on the Buckeyes’ offensive front, racking up 29 career starts and anchoring the line throughout the past two seasons. But after a tough outing in the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana and a confirmed injury, the Buckeyes are preparing to roll without him - at least for the CFP quarterfinal.
If Tshabola can’t go, Ohio State will likely turn to either Gabe VanSickle or Joshua Padilla. Both have been in the mix throughout the season, and while neither has the same level of experience, they’ve shown enough in practice to earn the staff’s trust.
Don’t be surprised if it’s a rotation between the two, especially early, as the Buckeyes look to stabilize the interior against a fast and physical Miami front. Interestingly, Tshabola was fully suited up during the media-viewable portion of Friday’s practice, but all signs still point to him missing this one.
Defensively, Ohio State’s depth on the interior line could be tested as well, depending on the status of backup nose guard Will Smith Jr. Smith is listed as probable, which is a good sign, but his availability could become even more important if the game turns into a battle in the trenches.
Behind him, the Buckeyes have options - including freshman Jarquez Carter and redshirt sophomore Jason Moore - but neither has seen significant postseason reps. There’s also the possibility of shifting Tywone Malone Jr., the starting three-technique, or backup Eddrick Houston over to nose tackle if needed.
It’s not ideal, but Ohio State has enough versatility up front to make it work.
Elsewhere, the Buckeyes remain without freshman wide receiver Quincy Porter, who missed the final two games of the regular season and the Big Ten title game. He’s still sidelined, as are backup safety Malik Hartford and defensive end Logan George - both of whom were already unavailable down the stretch.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday night, and updated availability reports will be released Monday and Tuesday evenings, with a final injury report 90 minutes before game time per CFP protocol.
On the other side, Miami comes in a bit banged up as well. The Hurricanes will be without three players: defensive back Damari Brown, linebacker Malik Bryant, and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw.
Brown is the biggest loss here - he’s started five games at cornerback this season and brings experience to a secondary that’s going to be tested against Ohio State’s passing attack. Defensive lineman Donta Simpson is also listed as doubtful.
Bottom line: Ohio State is in a solid spot health-wise, especially for this time of year. Outside of Tshabola, the Buckeyes are bringing nearly their full arsenal into the CFP quarterfinal. And with the stakes as high as they get, that depth could make all the difference.