Tyleik Williams still 'day to day' ahead of Big Ten opener
COLUMBUS — Ohio State was without star defensive tackle Tyleik Williams for its final nonconference game of the season.
After the win over Marshall, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day listed Williams as ‘day to day’ coming out of last weekend. Day and the Buckeyes are sticking with that line ahead of the Big Ten opener at Michigan State on Saturday night (7:30 p.m., Peacock).
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 will remain day to day heading into the matchup against the Spartans.
If Williams returns this week, Ohio State will be in a good spot to defend a streaky Michigan State offensive attack. If he misses a second straight game, the Buckeyes could have more problems in the teeth of their defensive line.
Tywone Malone, Hero Kanu, Jason Moore and Kayden McDonald will need to be better as second-team defensive tackles regardless of whether Williams is back in action.
Day wanted to see more from the defensive tackles who took over for Williams on Saturday in that win over Marshall.
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“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.”
Marshall had some success against those second-team defensive tackles who stepped in for Williams. The four Buckeyes tackles have to be better moving forward, with or without Williams in the lineup.
Now with Tyleik Williams still listed as ‘day to day,’ Ohio State is in wait-and-see mode heading into the Big Ten opener at Michigan State. His status is one to watch closely as the weekend — and the road opener — nears.
Buckeyes kickoff time vs. Michigan State now at 7:30 p.m.
Ohio State announced a time change for its Big Ten opener against Michigan State this weekend. The Buckeyes hit the road to take on the Spartans in primetime.
However, the game was originally set for a 7:00 p.m. ET time start. It’ll be a little later now, according to Associate AD Jerry Emig.
Ohio State and Michigan State will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be streamed on Peacock.
