Eric Boggs
Ohio State enters Saturday’s road clash at Washington with its full depth chart available, as no major contributors appeared on the program’s weekly status report. The return of starting nickel Lorenzo Styles Jr., tight end Bennett Christian and defensive tackle Jason Moore provides a significant boost as the Buckeyes prepare for their toughest test of the season to date.
Styles is back in the lineup after suffering an upper-body injury against Ohio. Despite giving up a 67-yard touchdown to Bobcat wideout Chase Hendricks, he has otherwise excelled in coverage this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Styles has limited opponents to just 30 yards on seven targets in the slot, an average of 4.3 yards per target. He has also recorded 10 tackles, including one for loss in run support.
Christian, a reliable blocking tight end, missed the Ohio game with an undisclosed injury but returns to action this week. He has played 32 snaps through two games, hauling in two receptions for 7 yards while continuing to pave the way in the ground game.
Moore, sidelined for the first three contests with a lower-leg injury, is available for the first time this season. His presence deepens a defensive tackle rotation that has featured starters Kayden McDonald and Tywone Malone Jr., along with significant contributions from Will Smith Jr. and rising freshman Jarquez Carter, who logged 19 snaps against the Bobcats.
Freshman running back Anthony “Turbo” Rogers is also cleared, slotting in behind CJ Donaldson, James Peoples and Bo Jackson in Ohio State’s crowded but talented backfield.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (12:30 p.m. local) on CBS. The weather in Seattle is expected to favor football, with partly cloudy skies, a high near 71 degrees and only a minimal chance of rain. As of Saturday afternoon, conditions were mild at 64 degrees with light winds, 64 percent humidity and no precipitation.
With Ohio State at full strength and the forecast calling for near-perfect playing conditions, the Buckeyes enter Husky Stadium with momentum and depth on their side.
