Ohio State football has kicking options if Blake Haubeil cannot play vs. Rutgers: Buckeye News roundup

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football corrected some straggling issues in last Saturday’s 38-25 victory at Penn State, but a new one popped up in the Buckeyes’ kicking game.

Blake Haubeil complained of a groin injury pre-game, was relegated to placekicking duties, then missed a 20-yard field goal try. Ohio State coach Ryan Day pulled him in favor of walk-on Dominic DiMaccio, who had been handling kickoff duties, and he also missed a 23-yard try.

Day called missing those chip-shots “ridiculous.” He also said Haubeil, a senior who had made 24 of 29 field goal attempts before Friday, is “day to day” entering Saturday night’s home game against Rutgers.

However, the Buckeyes may have one more option for Saturday than they had at Penn State. Freshman Jake Seibert is a “grayshirt” this season, meaning he will not go on scholarship until the second semester. Those players typically do not begin playing until the scholarship kicks in, in part so their eligibility clock does not start running.

The NCAA’s decision that no eligibility will accrue for anyone this season gives Ohio State a little more flexibility if needed.

Seibert, from Cincinnati’s La Salle High School, was ranked No. 2 among kickers in the 247 Sports composite for the 2020 class.

“Jake’s definitely an option,” Day said. “He came here for a reason.”

• Day called cornerback Cam Brown’s season-ending Achilles injury “a significant hit” as it came at a position where the Buckeyes could not afford less depth. Tyreke Johnson, a third-year sophomore, was the first name mentioned among those who must step up next. Day said Marcus Williamson, who has been starting in the slot, may also need to play some outside.

Freshmen such as Ryan Watts, Cameron Martinez and Lejond Cavazos (when healthy) may also work into the mix. Day also said another freshman, Lathan Ransom, has practiced well at nickel and safety.

• Day did not elaborate much on his communication with the Big Ten regarding the bizarre clock situation at the end of the first half.

Ohio State believed it had run out the clock before the half, but replay gave Penn State one second. Jordan Stout kicked a field goal to pull the Nittany Lions within 21-6.

“Apparently there was more than two seconds on the clock, which I still don’t understand,” Day said. “I didn’t really get into it very much and I’m just going to move on.”

• Tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Luke Farrell should be “fine” going forward. The senior left the Penn State game with a “gash” but practiced fully on Sunday and Monday.

• The national policy that all athletes have election day off caused Ohio State to tweak its usual routine.

Instead of Sunday being an off day, strength coach Mickey Marotti worked the team out. Then came what Day called a “very spirited” practice on Monday. The team returns to a normal practice on Wednesday.

New Ohio State face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Ohio State-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection. A 3-pack is available on Fanatics for $29.99.

Fanatics has released Ohio State Buckeyes Adult Face Coverings. This 3-pack of adult masks, retails for $29.99.

More Buckeyes coverage

Which Ohio State football players graded as champions in the road win over Penn State?

Justin Fields, Tommy Togiai earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors following Ohio State football’s win over Penn State

Washington reportedly open to moving Dwayne Haskins ‘for the right price’ before Tuesday’s trade deadline: Ohio State NFL roundup

Could the Big Ten season still collapse from coronavirus concerns? College Football Monday Madness

Ohio State football’s Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson open season on historic pace for Buckeye teammates

Can Ohio State football land the country’s No. 1 wide receiver in three straight recruiting classes? Buckeyes Recruiting Roundup

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.