Evaluating impact of TreVeyon Henderson's return for Ohio State offense

TreVeyon Henderson is a game-changer for the Buckeyes. Now, the Ohio State running back simply has to get in the game. Henderson has been absent for OSU since the team’s Week 6 win over Maryland. Despite repetitive positive comments from head coach Ryan Day, Henderson has been not seen a snap in three weeks.

Nonetheless, Day has been more promising than ever this week when discussing Henderson’s status. On Thursday, Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook evaluated the situation and the impact Henderson could have for the Buckeyes.

“There were a couple runs against Penn State where you could see [Henderson] probably hits that hole, [Henderson] probably makes that play,” Holbrook told On3’s Andy Staples. “Henderson was a five-star prospect and he’s a five star player for a reason. He broke a freshman rushing record in his freshman year for a reason. He’s a special type of player, he’s a special type of back when he’s healthy, and I think he’s gonna make a huge difference.”

It’s a fair assumption. Henderson is the only Buckeye RB with 15-plus carries averaging north of 4.3 yards per attempt this season. In just four games, Henderson boasts 295 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 44 carries, averaging north of 4.3 yards per attempt.

TreVeyon Henderson could be key against Wisconsin

Despite missing three games, Henderson still leads OSU in rushing yards. Holbrook believes Henderson could play a pivotal role for OSU this weekend against Wisconsin.

“It’s going to be a game that’s won up front,” Holbrook said. “In this game, specifically, I think you’ve got to be able to run the ball a little bit with TreVeyon and control the clock a little bit. Or else, Wisconsin is going to do that to you and keep your defense out on the field for 45 minutes of game clock.

“All accounts say that he’s going to play and we’ve heard that the last couple of weeks,” Holbrook said. “This week, Ryan Day was pretty repetitive saying, ‘He’s full-go. He’s had a good week of practice.’ I think we’re going to see No. 32 back on the field.”

If Wisconsin fails to milk the clock, it might be in trouble. The Badgers allow 137.9 rushing yards per game this season, ranking No. 62 in the country. For reference, Penn State boasts the third-best run defense in the nation and couldn’t entirely halt the Buckeyes’ backfield last week.

Look for Henderson to make his return on Saturday as Ohio State squares off against Wisconsin at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on NBC.