Overview
- Both wideouts missed the Rutgers game with lower-body injuries, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel and coach Ryan Day characterized their status as day-to-day.
- Ohio State beat Rutgers 42-9 without its top receivers, leaning on a 256-yard rushing day and a breakout from tight end Max Klare, while slot receiver Brandon Inniss exited in the third quarter with a shoulder issue.
- Smith and Tate have combined for 108 receptions, 1,613 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, underscoring how their availability could influence preparation for Michigan.
- The matchup at Michigan carries conference-title and playoff implications, and Newsweek noted Day has dropped the last four meetings against the Wolverines.
- Oregon listed leading receivers Dakorien Moore (knee) and Gary Bryant Jr. (ankle) as out vs. USC, USC ruled out safety Bishop Fitzgerald and RB Waymond Jordan, and USA TODAY reported Missouri QB Beau Pribula was medically cleared to face Oklahoma.