Ohio State will be missing a third starter tomorrow and second in the defensive secondary. As first reported by Ben Axelrod, senior safety C.J. Barnett will miss Saturday’s season opener versus Buffalo. Eleven Warriors confirmed the report with multiple sources, learning that Barnett is limited due to a sprained ankle. Barnett suffered the injury in practice. The severity of the sprain is not known.
Starting running back Carlos Hyde and cornerback Bradley Roby are already out serving suspensions.
Barnett’s backup is Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown, who’s performed well in the spring and fall. Vonn Bell will also be in line to receive playing time.
The injury puts a damper on a memorable week for Barnett, as he was named a team captain on Tuesday. Barnett has started parts of three seasons. He suffered a season-ending injury two games into his redshirt freshman season.
Barnett finished with 56 tackles – three for loss – and two interceptions in Ohio State’s undefeated 2012 season.
