Buckeyes Horrific Injury News from Tuesday Is Cause for Major Concern

The Ohio State Buckeyes got horrific injury news on Tuesday afternoon as they continue their preparation for what should be the game of the year on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington. 

The Buckeyes are looking for revenge against the Hoosiers for last year's Big Ten Championship game, in which Indiana pushed them around with relative ease. The Hoosiers dominated the line of scrimmage in that game on both sides of the ball, leading to their big win.

Now, as the Buckeyes look towards Saturday, they do so knowing that they will be down two of their most important players. Both tackle Austin Siereveld and running back Ja'Kobi Jackson landed on the injury report, not as questionable, but as 'Out" for Saturday's matchup.

This is significant news.

Siereveld is the headliner here. He appeared on the injury report last week, just a few hours before the game against Maryland, and it surprised Ryan Day and the staff. They patched the offensive line together, and it was enough to beat Maryland. Fine. 

The injury, or rumored sickness, lasting multiple weeks, especially as the Buckeyes enter this stretch of games, is very significant. Siereveld is the best Buckeyes offensive lineman and, most importantly, the most versatile. He can play tackle on both sides as well as having the ability to play either guard. He is the player who, if an injury happens, can be the adjuster and fit wherever he is needed.

Jackson being out in the backfield is both a major disappointment and a huge surprise for the Buckeyes. He has become a great complement to Bo Jackson, as the two play well off of each other. 

Neither guy would be considered an elite back, but both would be considered more than enough.  After the Jacksons, the production in that room really falls off. Isaiah West has been a disappointment, and the biggest bummer of the entire season has been Legend Bey. People around the program have unfairly hyped him up to be Reggie Bush or Percy Harvin, and he is just at the point where he is settling into being a young adult. He isn't ready for the responsibility, and now the Buckeyes' rushing attack will take a significant downgrade.

Can the Buckeyes overcome these injuries? Absolutely. It won't happen easily. They will need to play their best game they ever have as an offensive line and that still might not be enough to take down the Hoosiers tough defense.