Ohio State No. 3 will be without two starters and a few other key reserves against Clemson no. 2 in Friday’s semifinal of the football semifinal at Allstate Sugar Bowl College in New Orleans.
Policeman Harry Miller and Master Teague III are both absent, according to the team’s availability report. Defensive end Zach Harrison, who has two sacks and 4.5 approaches to losing in a reserve role, will also miss the game, as will defensive back Tyler Friday.
Clemson announced the defensive end, Xavier Thomas will miss the game. Thomas was in “protocols,” coach Dabo Swinney said earlier in the week. Thomas, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the spring, has 3.5 bags and four approaches to losing in seven games (one start).
Teague started each of the first six games in Ohio State, while Miller started all but Michigan State. Teague leads Ohio State in both ports (89) and quick touchdowns (6), although Trey Sermon recently appeared with 443 yards in the last two games, including a 331 team record against Northwestern in the Big Ten championship game. Freshman Miyan Williams will likely see increased action behind Sermon against Clemson.
Ohio State does not list the reasons for the players’ absence, although several Buckeyes who have appeared in previous availability reports later confirmed that they tested positive for COVID-19. Wide-star receiver Chris Olave, starting defender Baron Browning and top scorer Drue Chrisman, who all missed the Big Ten championship game against Northwestern, did not appear in Friday’s report and are expected to play.
Olave has 36 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns, while Browning is third in the team with 23 tackles, and has a forced and a recovery.
The safety of Ronnie Hickman, who has five approaches this season, will be an in-game decision for Ohio State. Starting defender Justin Fields, who injured his thumb on the throwing hand in the Big Ten game, did not appear in the report.
Clemson completed his COVID-19 test before traveling to New Orleans. Ohio State, according to Big Ten protocols, went through a final round of testing on Friday morning.