Ohio State on Tuesday hit a major speed bump in its pursuit of a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Buckeyes starting center Seth McLaughlin tore his Achilles during practice, according to The Columbus Dispatch’s Joey Kaufman and Bill Rabinowitz. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.
McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State in the offseason after four years at Alabama. He has started in all 10 of the Buckeyes’ games this season and has logged 565 snaps for the team.
With the senior now sidelined, the Buckeyes may have to turn to redshirt freshman Josh Padilla, who has served as McLaughlin’s backup thus far. Ohio State could also opt to move current left guard Carson Hinzman to center. Hinzman was the Buckeyes’ starting center in 12 games last season before being replaced by transferee McLaughlin.
The McLaughlin injury depletes what has already been a banged-up Ohio State offensive line. The team lost starting left tackle Josh Simmons to a season-ending knee injury during the Buckeyes’ loss to Oregon last month.
With a top-five clash against Indiana and a rivalry game versus Michigan to close out the season, Ohio State will definitely feel the void left by its veteran center.
