Ohio State expecting to have key players back on both side of ball at Penn State

That means star receiver Chris Olave, whose availability was in question after he left Ohio State’s win over Nebraska early following a hard hit to the head, should be in the lineup.

Ten players are listed as unavailable, but none are starters.

Among those available this week after missing game one are senior linebacker Justin Hilliard and freshman running back Miyan Williams.

Hilliard is expected to share the SAM linebacker role with Baron Browning, and that could be a spot in focus Saturday night as the Buckeyes try to match up with Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Williams may not make the travel roster, but his return adds depth at running back where Trey Sermon, Master Teague, Steele Chambers and Xavier Johnson saw carries last week.

Another running back — sophomore Marcus Crowley — will be out again as he continues to work back from a knee injury he suffered late last season.

Also unavailable are defensive backs Lejond Cavazos, Kourt Williams and Alec Taylor; defensive lineman Jacolbe Cowan and Jaden Mckenzie; tight end Patrick Gurd, offensive guard Gavin Cupp, receiver Jaylen Harris and long snapper Roen McCullough.

However, every Friday availability report this season comes with a caveat.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day noted Thursday the Buckeyes will be tested for COVID-19 on Saturday morning, and anyone who tests positive would be unavailable for 21 days per the Big Ten’s return to competition plan.