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Report: Ohio State to miss key starters including crucial WR for B1G Championship
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Ohio State is getting set to play Northwestern in Indianapolis, but reports are indicating the Buckeyes will be down some key starters for the game.
According to Bruce Feldman with FOX Sports and The Athletic, Ryan Day’s squad will be without multiple starters, including star receiver Chris Olave. Feldman did not provide any other details and it is unclear if this is a potential injury or COVID-19 related absence.
SOURCES: #OhioState will be without a few key starters today vs #Northwestern. Speedy WR Chris Olave, the team’s leading receiver, is expected to miss the Big Ten Title game. #BigNoonKickoff
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 19, 2020
Missing Olave would be a big play to Ohio State. He leads the team with 36 catches, is second on the team with 528 receiving yards, and is tied for the team lead with 5 receiving touchdowns.
If Olave is indeed out, it would be up to Garrett Wilson, who leads the team with 572 yards, to set the tone in the receiving game. It would also provide a great opportunity for key freshman, Julian Fleming, to make a key impact in the title game.
Some of the other reported absences include LB Baron Browning and starting punter Drue Chrisman. That is definitely scary news for the Buckeyes:
#OhioState will be without a few of their best players today vs #Northwestern. WR Chris Olave, the team’s leading receiver, LB Baron Browning, OSU’s second-leading tackler and punter Drue Chrisman (45 yards per punt). #BigNoonKickoff
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 19, 2020
Hopefully the reported absence of Olave and other starters will not hinder the Buckeyes as they look to win the B1G and get a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.