Rose Bowl: Ohio State left tackle game-time decision

Ryan Day didn’t want to say what is bothering Thayer Munford, but Ohio State’s offensive coordinator acknowledged he might not play in the Rose Bowl.

The sophomore left was sidelined for both practices this week open to the media, and Day identified him as a game-time decision Tuesday against Washington.

If Munford, a sophomore who made honorable mention All-Big Ten as a first-year starter, can’t go, he will be replaced by Josh Alabi.

“Josh stepped in played some games for us this year,” Day said. “He's done a good job. We have a lot of faith in Josh.

“Looks like Thayer probably will be a game-time decision there, but we have confidence in both guys.”

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Munford was bothered by a hip injury much of the season and missed most of the Maryland game Nov. 17 with a lower leg injury.

Isaiah Prince, Ohio State’s other starting tackle, called Alabi “a hard-working guy” and said he trusts him to do the right things if he gets the call against the Huskies.

Quarterback Dwayne Haskins didn’t sound concerned, either, even though he could be playing behind a line that is missing two of the players who started the majority of the season.

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Already out for sure is Demetrius Knox, a Springfield native who suffered a severe foot injury in the Michigan game Nov. 24.

Redshirt freshman Wyatt Davis started the Big Ten Championship game in his place a week later and will do so again against Washington.

“Definitely a talented group,” Haskins said. "Some inexperience with Josh and Wyatt, but you know, they are really talented, so just needed the reps during Bowl season to be ready for this game and I have no doubt in my mind they will be ready for the game.”

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