The timing of the latest setback for Ohio State’s football program couldn’t be worse.
During practice this week, star center Seth McLaughlin, a vital member of the Buckeyes’ offensive line, tore his Achilles.
He will be out for the rest of the season due to this injury, according to reports. This defeat comes at a terrible time as Ohio State prepares for a crucial game against Indiana and looks to advance far in the postseason.
This season, McLaughlin, a transfer from Alabama, has been a reliable starter, leading the offensive line in each of the first ten games. For a club already missing left tackle Josh Simmons because of a season-ending knee injury, losing him would be devastating.
Due to the need to rearrange their offensive line, Ohio State moved Carson Hinzman to guard and Donovan Jackson to tackle. As they get ready to play unbeaten Indiana and then their longstanding nemesis Michigan, they will now need to make even more modifications.
To be honest, Ohio State might not be able to handle it.
You need to be able to score to win a title, especially in a 12-team field that will include multiple teams with strong scoring capacities, even if the Buckeyes spent a lot of money to assemble this current group and their defense will be among the best in the tournament.
This season, Will Howard has occasionally struggled, particularly when facing pass-rush defenses. Now that the Buckeyes will be playing without two of their offensive line starters, that will only get harder.
Ohio State’s running assault, which includes Quinshod Junkins and TreVeyon Henderson, will keep them in games, but their offensive line will be a burden the rest of the way, particularly when they play Georgia, Oregon, or Ole Miss, which are all top pass-rushers.
Although the offensive line was strong enough to defeat Penn State, the Buckeyes will face far more talented and capable opponents if they hope to accomplish their ultimate objective. Regretfully, the injuries will make that journey even more difficult for them.
Although defeating Indiana might set up a rematch with No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten title game, let’s face it: a team missing two of its best offensive linemen won’t do well in the postseason.
