Miami's already dangerous pass rush, might've just gotten an edge.
The key to next Thursday night's CFP quarterfinal against Ohio State is going to be the play on the lines. If the Hurricanes can get consistent pressure on Buckeyes' quarterback Julian Sayin, they can ruin Ohio State's pass game and limit the damage their All-American receivers can do.
And now we have news that the Buckeyes will not be at full strength on the offensive line.
Tegra Tshabola is out for at least the next couple weeks with an injury. Gabe Van Sickle and Josh Padilla will both play at RG for Ohio State vs Miami, per Ryan Day. #Buckeyes
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) December 22, 2025
A quick search on the two reserve players mentioned shows that Gabe VanSickle is a redshirt freshman that's appeared in six games this season. Josh Padilla, a redshirt sophomore, has appeared in 10 games this season and played in 14 last year. So both players have some experience, but neither has been a consistent starter and facing the Miami pass rush is one heck of a trial by fire. But Ohio State doesn't recruit scrubs, so expect whoever plays to compete.
Miami can make Ohio State answer some questions
Ohio State is a great team. The Buckeyes were No. 1 most of the year, and they have talent on top of that talent. There's no question about that. Caleb Downs is a beat. Jeremiah Smith is a future top-five draft pick. Arvell Reese is a monster. The Buckeyes have dudes.
But they also have questions and the biggest one is can they handle a talented defensive front? Ohio State's schedule wasn't challenging this season. They were gifted an easy path by the Big Ten, made easier when Penn State fired James Franklin in the middle of the season and Michigan lost all its running backs.
Ohio State has faced two really talented defensive fronts — Texas and Indiana. The Buckeyes scored a total of 24 points in those games. The Texas game was a season opener. It was Sayin's first start.and the Longhorns are no joke on defense most of the time, so I get it. But Indiana was 14 weeks later and that offensive line looked shaky. Ryan Day might be calling the plays, but he can't block for them.
Now that offensive line is down another starter with Rueben Bain, Akheem Mesidor and David Blay up next and ready to see what they're all about.