Ohio State running back could return against Penn State

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day believes running back Master Teague could return for Saturday’s Penn State game, via ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. The coach also reports reserve running back Marcus Crowley suffered a “long-term injury” during the bye week.

After missing the Indiana game with an undisclosed issue, Master Teague would return as the backup beside Miyan Williams against Penn State. Crowley also missed the Indiana game but has no timetable for return.

Master Teague entered the season as the primary back for the Ohio State offense but gave way early to freshman TreVeyon Henderson. The breakout star took over the reigns quickly and has provided the Buckeyes with a needed spark on offense.

Teague has 43 carries for 245 yards and three touchdowns in 2021. He has added two catches for 12 yards.

Ohio State’s revitalized offense faces one of its toughest challenges this week against No. 20 Penn State. The Nittany Lions suffered an unexpected setback last week against Illinois, but still bring the firepower on offense and defense to challenge the young Ohio State team.

Ohio State building depth

The Ohio State Buckeyes are on the rise again after an early hiccup against Oregon. The preseason Big Ten favorites have now won five straight, with its toughest stretch ahead. According to head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State took the opportunity Saturday to reset their mentality, and hopefully their season with new depth.

“We figured this was the first game of the second half of the season,” Day said during his postgame interview. “We kind of looked at it like we were 0-0 going into the game. And we wanted to come out and play really well in our first game of the second half of the season. We did that, we got a big challenge next week.”

Coming into Saturday’s 54-7 win over Indiana, the Buckeyes were 3-0 in the Big Ten with wins over Minnesota, Rutgers and Maryland. Ohio State has averaged a plus-41.6 margin over the past five games, scoring 50-plus in the last four.

Seeing the dominance Ohio State has come to expect, Ryan Day is focused on building depth down the stretch.

“That’s what’s been great,” explained Day. “Early on it was a thing we didn’t really have guys settled into roles. But now they’re getting more and more depth, it’s starting to build that depth like we’re going to need down the stretch.”

The once thin backfield has now blossomed with TreVeyon Henderson, Master Teague and Miyan Williams. The always-deep wide receiver core also has built chemistry with quarterback CJ Stroud.