The matchup between Ohio State and Oregon in the ‘Shoe next weekend is going to be the marquis college football game of the week. The Ducks might be less than 100 percent though because of an injury to its biggest star in Week 1 against Fresno State.
Potential first-round defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux suffered an injury in the first quarter after being rolled up on from behind and had to leave the game. He returned later, but was later removed permanently and was seen in street clothes and a walking boot on the sidelines a little later in the game.
The extent of the injury is unknown, but it’s not generally a good sign to have a player placed in hardware on the sideline. After the game, Ducks’ head coach Mario Cristobal said he doesn’t expect the injury to be a long-term thing. X-rays were also reportedly negative, so that’s good news for the Oregon program.
Oregon star DE Kayvon Thibodeaux is on the sidelines in street clothes and wearing walking boot on his leg.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) September 4, 2021
Thibodeaux is widely known as the best defensive end in the country and could present a huge challenge for the Ohio State offensive line. However, an absent or less than 100 percent Thibodeaux would significantly hurt Oregon’s chances of coming to Columbus and springing the upset.
We’ll keep an eye on what comes out of the Pacific Northwest in regards to how Thibodeaux is doing. However, don’t expect much. It’ll likely be a game-time decision with a ton of gamesmanship thrown in for good measure.
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