Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day provides update on Tyleik Williams

COLUMBUS — Ohio State senior defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was listed by head coach Ryan Day as ‘day to day’ on Tuesday. The status of the star defender was updated Wednesday night. It might even be considered a positive update.

“It looks like he’ll be available for the game,” Day said Wednesday night.

That’s not exactly a sign that Williams will play. Day has listed others as ‘available’ this season before games, only for them not to play in the game.

Williams left the 20-13 win over No. 3 Penn State midway through the fourth quarter last weekend.

Williams appeared to take an awkward fall backward after being blocked on a 2nd-and-6 run from Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen that Buckeyes “nickel” cornerback Jordan Hancock quickly snuffed out.

The 6-foot-3, 237-pound Williams had to be helped off the field by Ohio State medical staff. He didn’t return to the game, but his defensive line stepped up in his absence, notably coming up with stop after stop on a goal line stand just minutes later.

Williams’ status was ‘updated’ as Ryan Day said he’ll be available. Ohio State may not be without its star defensive tackle this week.

Will Kacmarek injury update: Ryan Day gives positive news on Buckeyes tight end

Ohio State starting tight end Will Kacmarek hasn’t been in action for the Buckeyes since their road loss to Oregon last month.

But the Buckeyes could be getting him back sooner than initially expected, which would add a major boost to their offense for the stretch run of the season.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day was asked Wednesday night about Kacmarek’s progress as he works back from an undisclosed upper-body injury, and his update was certainly promising.

“He’s doing great,” Day said of Kacmarek. “He’s healing quickly. He’s still a couple weeks away, but he is doing great. All the reports back from the training room and from Mick is that he’s a little bit ahead of schedule, so that’s encouraging.

“We’re excited to hopefully get him back here in a couple weeks.”

Kacmarek left the Oregon game after just a few plays following a 32-yard reception that set up the game’s opening touchdown by quarterback Will Howard. He hasn’t played since then.

In his absence, the Buckeyes have relied on a group effort from the tight end unit, especially in run-blocking — where Kacmarek was thriving for Ohio State.

ICYMI: First set of CFP rankings released

Ohio State checked in at No. 2 in the first CFP rankings. The Buckeyes just collected a signature road win over Penn State, which the committee deemed is No. 6 in the country. Ohio State has one loss, that being to the committee’s top-ranked team in Oregon — a loss that came by one point on the road.

Think Ohio State cares about the rankings? Think again. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day was asked about them on Tuesday during his weekly press conference, opting to take the question and turn it into a praise session for this week’s opponent: a 1-7 Purdue team that just lost at home to Northwestern.

The full initial College Football Playoff rankings can be found below. Teams in bold would be the conference champions, making them the automatic qualifying teams that receive a first-round bye in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

College Football Playoff rankings (Nov. 5)

1. Oregon
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia
4. Miami
5. Texas
6. Penn State
7. Tennessee
8. Indiana
9. BYU
10. Notre Dame
11. Alabama
12. Boise State

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Purdue: 4 days
Ohio State vs. Indiana: 18 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 25 days

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