Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State’s center, tore his Achilles tendon in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, November 19th. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is horrid for a great young man who was likely to be an All-American. This injury could also cost the Ohio State University millions of dollars. His injury is a total disaster for the heretofore mostly healthy Buckeyes. Seth’s injury, coupled with All-American Josh Simmons, an offensive lineman out for the season, leaves the Buckeyes without two of their best starters.
Because readers may not be familiar with McLaughlin, this article will start with a little bit about this young man, for whom we should all feel sorry. Then, we will discuss why McLaughlin’s injury and why it is problematic for Ohio State. And we will wrap up with what the head football coach at Ohio State said the Buckeyes would do.
Seth McLaughlin Everyone’s All-American
McLaughlin is a great football player who transferred to Ohio State from the University of Alabama this past offseason. To substantiate his bona fides as a football player, just know that he is a finalist or semi-finalist for the Outland and Rimington Awards, which are presented to the nation’s best interior lineman (Outland) and center (Rimington), his position. He was destined to be a football All-American. With his injury, that is all over now.
McLaughlin is an even better person than a football player. That will serve him well in life. As evidence of this, he is a finalist for the Campbell Trophy. That Trophy is awarded to the best scholar-athlete in college football. Seth’s injury should not affect his candidacy for this trophy.
Two Injuries on the Ohio State Offensive Line
With season injuries to both Simmons and McLaughlin, Ohio State is missing two All-Americans and forty percent of their offensive line. In addition, All-American Guard Donovan Jackson is playing at tackle. So, 3/5 of Ohio State’s offensive line has two players out, and one is playing out of position (Jackson, because of the Simmons injury). The offensive line is very important for the running game and for pass protection as well. The moving pieces on the offensive line for Ohio State are a big weakness as the Buckeyes prepared to play their most difficult competition of the season. There is no question that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is earning his pay this week.
The Ohio State Plan to Deal with Seth McLaughin’s Injury
With the injury to McLaughlin, Day will have to scramble to fill the holes in Ohio State’s offensive line. First, when Simmons was lost for the year, Jackson moved over from his guard spot to the tackle spot occupied by the fallen Simmons. Carson Hinzman took the empty guard spot. With Seth hurt, Day said Carson Hinzman will move to center (a position he played last season), and Austin Siereveld will take the vacated guard spot.
The Ohio State second string is better than most teams’ first string, but these injuries have happened at exactly at the wrong time for the Buckeyes. Ohio State hosts a top-five opponent in Indiana on Saturday, November 23. Then it is Michigan week. That rivalry game is always hard fought, and the best part of the struggling defending national champions is their defensive line. Then Ohio State will likely play a rematch with Oregon (if they win the games with Indiana and Michigan) in the Big Ten Championship game. Then, to the twelve-team college football playoffs, where the Buckeyes will face nothing but the top teams. The Buckeyes could lose any or all of these games.
Conclusion
The injury to Seth McLaughlin is horrid for him and the Ohio State football team. He is an outstanding young man, as evidenced by the multiple awards for which he is nominated. As far as football goes, the offensive line is very important, and the injuries may hinder the running game and/or the passing game. This could cost Ohio State any or all of its remaining football games. There is no question the vaunted Ohio State defense must play the best defense in the nation to be successful.
