Buckeyes near full strength for high-stakes rivalry matchup

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ohio State thought it would be getting all of its key playmakers back and healthy for the biggest game of the season.

The Buckeyes were right.

After missing numerous starters on defense during the last two Big Ten tuneups in each of the last two weeks, the Buckeyes will be near full strength for the rivalry clash at Michigan on Saturday (Noon, FOX).

That includes senior captain and star linebacker Tommy Eichenberg , who missed each of the last two games after being injured against Rutgers three weeks ago. It also includes defensive tackle Mike Hall , who also sat out last week after suffering an injury against Michigan State two weeks ago.

Of course, the Buckeyes will again be without star safety Lathan Ransom, who left the Wisconsin game with an injury last month and has not played since then. He could still return for the College Football Playoff — if Ohio State wins against Michigan and then beats Iowa next weekend in the Big Ten title game. But he won’t be able to suit up for the Buckeyes in The Big House.

Ohio State has been working toward this all year. The Buckeyes know what this game means.

“I was taught that the way you respect the rivalry is to work in every day,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said . “Whether it’s in the weight room, whether it’s in game planning, talking to your players, periods in practicing and during the spring periods and practicing, the preseason. And that’s it.

“So we do we respect the rivalry, and certainly excited to play here on Saturday.”

Now they’ll be able to go into Saturday at Michigan as healthy as they have been in weeks. The defense will be near full strength for a massive rivalry clash in the Big House.

The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.

Questionable for Ohio State

Out for Buckeyes

WR Kojo Antwi
WR Kyion Grayes
DL Jason Moore
DB Lathan Ransom
DL Will Smith Jr.

Out for season

Stocksdale, Reis (season)
Williams II, Kourt (season)
Williams, Miyan (season)
Herbstreit, Zak (season)

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