Half of Ohio State’s starting defensive line will miss the national championship game against Alabama Monday night. Nose tackle Tommy Togiai and defensive end Tyreke Smith are listed as unavailable in Ohio State’s availability report just released.
Togiai had a season-high four solo tackles in the semifinal win over Clemson while also breaking up a pass and forcing a fumble. Smith has also been a growing force as a pass rusher for the Buckeyes this season.
While Smith will be absent from the Buckeyes’ rotation, sophomore Zach Harrison is returning to play. Junior Tyler Friday is also expected to return to action to bolster the OSU pass rush. Harrison is tied for the team lead (Togiai) with 4.5 tackles for loss. His 2.0 sacks are third on the team behind defensive end Jonathon Cooper and Togiai. Friday, meanwhile, last played against Indiana on November 21.
Also returning to the active roster is running back Master Teague, who has rushed for 449 yards and 5.0 yards per carry in six games this season. Unfortunately, however, freshman tailback Miyan Williams is out.
Place-kicker Blake Haubeil is the third Buckeye starter who will be unavailable tonight. Walk-on kicker Dominic DiMaccio is also out. The Buckeyes will be down to their true freshman kicker Jake Seibert, who has missed his only field goal attempt this year, but has made 13-of-13 extra point attempts. Seibert has yet to kickoff for the Buckeyes this year.
There are no game-time decisions for Ohio State. Here is the full list of players who are out.
CB Cam Brown
DL Jacolbe Cowan
K Dominic DiMaccio
DT Ty Hamilton
WR Jaylen Harris
K Blake Haubeil
OT Dawand Jones
LB Cade Kacherski
LB Mitchell Melton
DE Tyreke Smith
DT Tommy Togiai
SAF Kourt Williams
RB Miyan Williams