Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier Carted Off vs. Buffalo
By Kyle Kensing
Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) celebrates in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Ryan Shazier was carted off the field in the first half of Ohio State’s 2013 season opener against Buffalo. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Bad news for the Ohio State Buckeyes in their season opener against Buffalo, as preseason All-American linebacker and star of the team’s defense, Ryan Shazier, was carted off the field in the second quarter.
Shazier is one of the nation’s premier blitzing linebackers, coming off a 2012 campaign in which he recorded 17 tackles for loss. Shazier is anchor of a defense that is the decided question mark for the Buckeyes’ BCS championship hopes. Ohio State lost several notable contributors of last year’s side.
One initial report says he is dealing with cramping, which would not keep Shazier out of action long.
#Buckeyes OLB Ryan Shazier was carted off the field. No official word from OSU yet on why, but ESPN reportedly said he was cramping.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 31, 2013
Playing in Ryan Shazier’s place is true freshman Trey Johnson, a 4-star recruit from Lawrenceville, Ga.
Losing Shazier is a pockmark on an otherwise strong start for the Buckeyes. Preseason Heisman Trophy favorite and quarterback Braxton Miller is rolling against the Buffalo defense. As of this writing, he is 12-of-16 passing for 161 yards with two touchdowns. The Buckeyes lead, 30-13, just before halftime.
SaturdayBlitz.com will keep tabs on the situation as it develops.