Ohio State's defense looked completely different against Michigan State in more ways than one.
For starters, the Buckeyes allowed 52 less points that a week ago, but Ohio State also started the game against the Spartans without two of its three starting linebackers.
Both Jerome Baker and Dante Booker were not on the field for Ohio State's 48-3 victory over the Spartans, a loss that didn't hit the Buckeyes until mid-week.
"That was awful. Once again, two of your better players, or two guys that are starters go down. And that was – had someone check with me on Thursday morning, that was not a good deal," Meyer said in his postgame comments.
Sophomores Malik Harrison and Tuf Borland started alongside Chris Worley, who moved to outside linebacker, a spot where he started 13 games last season. Borland led the team in tackles with 11, while Harrison and Worley added six and five respectively.
Meyer said he was pleased not only with the play of Ohio State's reserve linebackers, but also the preparation of his assistant coaches to get them ready to play on short notice.
"I thought Coach (Bill) Davis and Coach (Greg) Schiano did a great job getting those guys ready today," Meyer said. "(Chris) Worley played a brand new position today. But that's a leader, a captain, a guy that's been around a while. That's what you would expect out of a guy like that."
Meyer did not comment on the nature of the injuries to Baker and Booker. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports, however, reported shortly after the game that both linebackers were in concussion protocol. Meyer said Baker is expected to play next week against Illinois, but that Booker's status for the game against the Illini is still in question.
Very impressed with #OhioState today. Buckeyes were down 2 LBs--Dante Booker & Jerome Baker both in concussion protocol, per source & lost 2 other starters in game & still dominated MSU.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 11, 2017
Ohio State's other two starters that Feldman mentioned were defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones and cornerback Damon Arnette.
Jones was ejected late in the first half following a targeting call, and Arnette left the game with an injury, also just before halftime.
Jones' ejection, Ohio State's second in as many weeks, did not make Meyer happy.
"I was very upset about that. Of course they're aware. I'm the same way. I was irate when that happened," Meyer said. "So just gotta keep coaching ourselves through it."
Arnette, who collected an interception on the drive before his injury, was carted off the field and did not return to action. Meyer said the cornerback has a "tough thigh bruise," but added X-rays revealed there was no structural damage.
Billy Price Becomes Ohio State's Iron Man
When Ohio State's offense took the field for the first time against Michigan State on Saturday, redshirt senior Billy Price set one of the more impressive records in Buckeye history.
Price passed Luke Fickell on the all-time most consecutive starts list, as the Michigan State game marked his 51st straight start along Ohio State's offensive line.
Meyer gushed about Price in his postgame comments, saying the two will forever be connected.
"I think as long as I'm around Ohio State, I'll make sure that that guy is treated with legendary status because he's done everything I've ever asked of him," Meyer said. "I'm deeply indebted to Billy. Billy's going to be a lifelong friend and he'll be a Buckeye for the rest of his life, obviously, and I'm glad we still have him for a few more games."
Billy Price holds the Ohio State record for most consecutive games started, with 51.
Price said the record is humbling for him, as he gave credit to Ohio State's training staff for keeping him healthy and in shape.
"I mean, it's huge. You go down in Ohio State history and not many people get that opportunity," Price said. "It's a blessing, also, to make sure that you give credit to those who deserve it, the athletic training staff, the strength staff too."
Price has started every game of his Ohio State career dating back to the 2014 season, in which he started at guard as a redshirt freshman.
J.T. Barrett Moves Up Big Ten Ladder
Despite two interceptions, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett continues to break records.
In the win over Michigan State, Barrett moved into second place on the Big Ten's all-time total offense list, passing Minnesota's Adam Weber. With his performance against the Spartans, Barrett now has accumulated 11,975 offensive yards in his Ohio State career.
The Big Ten record, held by former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees, is 12,682 yards and has stood since the year 2000. Should Ohio State defeat Illinois, Barrett will have four more games left to break the record with a game against Michigan, a Big Ten title game and a bowl game still to come.
