Ohio State’s high-flying offense might be grounded tonight, and it’s not just because of the weather. The Buckeyes could be without their top two receivers as they face UCLA in a highly anticipated matchup. Carnell Tate has officially been ruled out, marking his second consecutive absence after missing the Purdue game due to lower-leg tightness. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Smith’s status hangs in the balance, listed as questionable on the pregame injury report. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Smith dominated against Purdue, hauling in a career-best 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown, leaving fans puzzled about the nature of his sudden injury.
OSU’S INJURY REPORT FOR UCLA
Questionable:
- RB CJ Donaldson
- WR Jeremiah Smith
Out:
- DT Jarquez Carter
- DE Logan George
- S Malik Hartford
- WR De'zie Jones
- QB Mason Maggs
- DT Eric Mensah
- OG Joshua Padilla
- DT Maxwell Roy
- WR Carnell Tate
- DT Ahmed Tounkara
Tate’s absence against Purdue was a last-minute decision, with head coach Ryan Day revealing it was a precautionary measure. Day hinted that Tate could have played but emphasized the team’s focus on long-term health. Now, with both Tate and Smith potentially sidelined, Ohio State’s receiving corps faces a significant test. And this is the part most people miss: If Smith is out, the Buckeyes will lean on less-experienced players like Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, Mylan Graham, and Quincy Porter. While Inniss leads this group with 180 receiving yards, the depth chart is thin, though tight end Max Klare could see expanded opportunities.
Here’s the controversial take: Despite these setbacks, Ohio State remains a staggering 34.5-point favorite, largely due to UCLA’s own woes, including the absence of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava due to a concussion. But does this lopsided prediction overlook the impact of Ohio State’s injuries? Or is it a testament to the Buckeyes’ depth and dominance? Let’s not forget, football is a team sport, and Ohio State’s ground game and defense could easily carry the day.
Other key players on the injury report include rotational guard Joshua Padilla, out again after an injury against Penn State, and running back CJ Donaldson, whose status is uncertain. On a brighter note, starting right tackle Phillip Daniels and defensive tackle Tywone Malone Jr. are not listed on the report, suggesting they’re ready to go after missing the Purdue game. Quincy Porter, previously questionable, also appears to be in the clear.
As the 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Ohio Stadium approaches, airing on NBC, one question lingers: Can Ohio State’s offense thrive without its star receivers, or will UCLA exploit these weaknesses? What do you think? Are the Buckeyes still a lock to win big, or could UCLA pull off the upset? Let us know in the comments—this is one game you won’t want to miss!
