COLUMBUS: Suddenly, No. 7 Ohio State might have a depth problem on the inside of its defensive line.
Senior All-American defensive tackle Adolphus Washington was suspended for Ohio State’s Fiesta Bowl matchup with No. 8 Notre Dame on Jan. 1 after he was cited for solicitation, ending his Buckeye career early. Now, it appears his backup might need a backup.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said on Thursday that senior defensive tackle Tommy Schutt has a foot injury, and his status for the Fiesta Bowl is unknown.
“Tommy Schutt hurt his foot,” Meyer said. “I don’t know how bad yet. But we’ve got depth issues inside right now on defense.”
Losing Washington was problematic enough, as he’s been an anchor in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defensive line. Having two defensive tackles out would mean the rotation is light.
Meyer mentioned sophomore Mike Hill — who replaced Schutt after he broke his wrist earlier this season — senior Joel Hale, sophomore Donovan Munger and sophomore Tracy Sprinkle as options to enter the mix.
“It will be a rotation,” Meyer said. “And then Joey Bosa goes in there quite a bit.”
Notre Dame, 27th in the country in rushing this season at 214.8 yards per game, can now look to attack the interior of Ohio State’s defense. C.J. Prosise leads the Fighting Irish with 1,032 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Josh Adams has 757 yards and quarterback DeShone Kizer has rushed for 499 yards and nine touchdowns.
Washington was a big enough loss, one that probably had Notre Dame faithful salivating at the thought of the run game setting up the offense. If Schutt is also unable to play, Ohio State’s search for someone to step up will be forced to continue down the depth chart.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RyanLewisABJ