Tyleik Williams set to return, Buckeyes back at full strength for Big Ten opener at Michigan State
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Ohio State hasn’t had all 22 of its starters healthy for any of its first three games. On Saturday night when the Buckeyes take on Michigan State in primetime, that will change.
Defensive tackle and potential All American Tyleik Williams will be available for Ohio State in the first Big Ten matchup of the season — and first road trip of the campaign.
Williams missed last week’s 49-14 win over Marshall with an undisclosed injury. Luckily for the senior star and the Buckeyes, that injury only kept him out for one game.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Tuesday that Williams ‘will be out there today, so we’ll see how that goes’ when asked if Williams would practice this week. He maintained that the star defensive tackle was going to remain day to day heading into the matchup against the Spartans. Day did mention that Williams practiced Wednesday ahead of the matchup.
Now Williams is cleared for action.
With Williams set to return Saturday night, Ohio State will be in a good spot to defend a streaky Michigan State offensive attack. Even with Williams back in the fold, Tywone Malone, Hero Kanu, Jason Moore and Kayden McDonald will need to be better as second-team defensive tackles.
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Day wanted to see more from the defensive tackles who took over for Williams on Saturday in that win over Marshall.
“There was good play,” Day said of his defensive tackles in Williams’ absence. “But there needs to be more consistent play.
“… It was a mixed bag. Do we want to see more? Yeah, we do.”
Ohio State expects better from his backup defensive tackles. But now as Tyleik Williams is cleared to at least be available for the Buckeyes against the Spartans, this defensive line should be sured up.
The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.
Questionable
No Buckeyes are questionable
Out for Ohio State
LB Zach Hayes
RB Rashid Sesay
WR Reis Stocksdale
RB TC Caffey (out for season)