COLLEGE PARK, MD — As has been the case for much of this season, the running back gods give and then they also take from the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will be without leading rusher Miyan Williams this week against Maryland. He was injured in last week’s win over Indiana, but not before he ran for 147 yards on 15 carries. Williams has rushed for a team-high 783 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
But, as one top running back is out for the moment, another looks to be returning, as last year’s leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson is not listed on this week’s OSU availability report. Henderson is OSU’s second-leading rusher this year (552 yards, 6 TDs), but has missed the Buckeyes’ previous two games.
It would be ideal to get Henderson some snaps this week in order to shake off any rust before the Michigan game next week.
The Buckeyes should also be returning running back Chip Trayanum, who missed last week. The OSU staff would like to get him some carries this week as well.
Even with the return of Trayanum and Henderson, the bulk of the carries today may go to freshman Dallan Hayden. Hayden rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries last week against the Hoosiers. It was his second 100-yard rushing day of the year.
Starting right tackle Dawand Jones is also back this week after missing last week’s game. Starting cornerback Denzel Burke is back as well following last week’s absence.
Star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still unavailable for the Buckeyes. When head coach Ryan Day was asked on Tuesday if he still expected Smith-Njigba back this season, Day said he was more “hopeful” than expecting.
There are no game-time decisions listed this week.
Here is the full availability report for Ohio State’s 3:30 pm kickoff at Maryland today.
Game-Time Decisions
None
Unavailable
RB TC Caffey
CB Lloyd McFarquhar
LB/DE Mitchell Melton
LB Jalen Pace
RB Evan Pryor
LS Bradley Robinson
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
SAF Kourt Williams
RB Miyan Williams
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