Breaking: Ryan Day Revamps Buckeyes’ Starting Roster for Tennessee Clash
New Faces and Rotations Highlight Ohio State’s Strategic Shift… See details
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to host the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the College Football Playoff, head coach Ryan Day has made bold changes to his team’s starting roster.
With injuries and performance issues plaguing the offensive line, Day announced a significant shake-up during his Monday press conference, marking a pivotal moment in the Buckeyes’ playoff preparations.
The loss of offensive linemen Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin for the season forced the Buckeyes to experiment with different combinations upfront.
Unfortunately, the revamped line struggled in their regular-season finale against Michigan, leaving the run game stagnant and quarterback Kyle McCord under pressure.
Determined to address these issues, Day has decided to make another adjustment, introducing freshman Luke Montgomery into the starting lineup at left guard.
Montgomery, who has been receiving reps at left guard in practice, is expected to take over the starting role, with Day hinting at a “rotation” in the trenches.
This move would likely bench Austin Siereveld, who struggled in previous outings, while Tegra Tshabola remains at right guard.
Siereveld could see some action as part of the rotation, but for now, it appears Montgomery will be entrusted with the crucial role.
This decision underscores the high stakes of the upcoming matchup. Tennessee boasts a strong defensive front, and the Volunteers are likely to target Ohio State’s inexperienced left side early and often.
Montgomery, though untested in a playoff atmosphere, has shown promise and could bring much-needed stability to the line.
The Buckeyes’ success against Tennessee will depend heavily on how quickly the new-look offensive line can gel.
Day’s willingness to take risks reflects his determination to give Ohio State its best chance at advancing in the playoffs.
Whether these changes pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Buckeyes’ offensive line come game day.
