Eric Boggs
As an Ohio State fan, it’s always a little concerning to see a couple of veteran starters listed as out for the season opener, but when you’re up against a team like Akron, there’s no reason to hit the panic button. The Buckeyes are missing senior left guard Donovan Jackson and fifth-year senior middle linebacker Cody Simon for the game, both of whom are dealing with minor injuries. While it’s never ideal to lose experienced players, Ohio State’s depth and talent should more than compensate.
The Buckeyes’ availability report, released just two hours before kickoff, listed Jackson and Simon as “out.” However, their absences aren’t due to anything serious. In fact, it’s likely more precautionary than anything else, given the opponent and the importance of keeping these key players healthy for the tougher games ahead.
With Jackson out, the left guard position becomes a point of interest. Redshirt freshman Austin Siereveld seems poised to step in, potentially making his first career start. Siereveld has shown a lot of promise, taking second-team reps at left guard in the spring and during camp, even stepping in with the first team when the offensive line was hit by a stomach bug. He’s impressed the coaches with his performance, and at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, he’s got the physicality to handle the role. While Carson Hinzman is the more experienced player, having started all 12 regular season games at center last year, it’s Siereveld who seems the most likely to start at left guard today.
At middle linebacker, Cody Simon’s absence opens the door for an exciting young duo. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles mentioned earlier that we could see Sonny Styles at middle linebacker with C.J. Hicks at weak-side backer, and that’s exactly what we’ll get in the opener. This is a chance for these two rising stars to showcase their talent together, and it’s hard not to get excited about the potential they bring to the defense. Expect to also see plenty of Gabe Powers and Arvell Reese, with true freshman Payton Pierce making his collegiate debut, especially on special teams and likely in the second half.
The Buckeyes are in good shape overall, with no major injuries coming out of a tough training camp. And while it would be nice to have Jackson and Simon out there, the decision to sit them is a smart one. Ohio State is favored by 49 points, and there’s no need to take any risks in a game that should be a comfortable win. The depth and talent on this roster should ensure that the Buckeyes handle Akron with ease, even without a couple of their veteran leaders.
