Ryan Day claimed his prize against Nebraska last week with an average 21-17 victory, but he has not been unclenching ever since. Heading to the thick of the conference, the program showcases some heavy offensive line issues that demand an immediate fix. The line was going well unless and until left tackle Josh Simmons had to force the gridiron with a shattering knee injury during the game against the Ducks. The 22-year-old’s unexpected walkout led to his season-ending hiatus and, most woefully, left the No.4 Ohio State in serious jeopardy. Still, Day and his team managed to sustain, picking up an average win against Nebraska.

But then again, another big blow on the card! Zen Michalski suffered a leg injury. Now, it seems the Buckeyes need a serious reshuffling before the must-win game with the Nittany Lions, and here is what it can look like.

The Buckeyes started the season with a strong national championship aspiration with a star-loaded roster. The quality transfer portal picks and some impact freshmen made the Buckeyes believe that they have what it takes to rule the season now and beyond. But unpredictability is a menacing beauty of his game. Day and his crew have already dropped the ball in one game and can fall out of the playoff hope with another loss. But Day isn’t giving up. As an insider weighs in during the Ohio State Football at Buckeye Scoop podcast, ”The final answer for the starting lineup for uh Saturday, Donnie Jackson left tackle Carson Hinzman left guard, Seth McLaughlin Center, Tegra Tshabola Right Guard, Josh Fryar right tackle.”

Coming to Michalski, the young prodigy who made a lofty impact against Oregon, replacing Simmons, had a hard time tackling the edge rushers last week. But the only good thing is his injury might not be as grave as it was initially projected to be. “I think there is a chance, but we’ll look at it today”, Ryan Day said about the potential availability of the fourth-year star in the do-or-die game on Saturday.

The coach also confirmed he would be the starter at the left tackle if he suits up. But then, Day reflected on how he was completely under the radar last week and said they need to evaluate that first and then proceed accordingly.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has really been at ease with the new lineup. Despite a stroke of hard luck at Josh, the veteran believes the team with the shake-up can bounce back. He has unfathomable faith in Donovan Jackson, who can fit anywhere in the OL. But despite all the feel-good analysis, the reality is pretty challenging for the Buckeyes, especially if the running game once again collapses.

Ohio State’s running game will be a severe restrain in their playoff path

Against Oregon, OSU ran 33 runs for 141 yards, marking an embarrassing season low. But wait, it was not the lowest. The next game against the Cornhuskers pulled a lower gear with 64 yards on 31 carries. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson have been the two massive threats to the opponents during the initial season. But in the last two games, they simply failed to deliver. The rushing attacks are clearly at stake. If it doesn’t move from the lackluster mode, a win seems far-fetched.

On the other hand, Penn State’s Drew Aller has been an untamable beast this season so far, finishing 64 per cent of his passes in every game. He also topped 8 yards per pass attempt in most of the games except for one. His sway over the red zone is commendable. So, Aller, alongside the unbeatable Nittany Lions troop, is likely to be no cakewalk for Ryan Day despite them being a slight underdog.

What’s your take on the new offensive lineup for Ohio State against Penn State? Do you think it can grant a victory to Ryan Day and the team? Let us know in the comments.