2 key Ohio State defensive starters out for CFP National Championship Game against Alabama

Ohio State will be missing a pair of starting defensive linemen when it faces Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday evening.

Just over an hour before kickoff, the Buckeyes’ injury report revealed that both defensive tackle Tommy Togiai and defensive end Tyreke Smith will miss the game.

It’s tough news for a Buckeyes defensive front looking to limit a powerful Crimson Tide offense. Togiai, a 2nd-team All-Big Ten pick by both the coaches and media, has totaled 4.5 tackles for a loss, including 3.0 sacks, through Ohio State’s 7 games this year.

Smith, a fellow junior, has recorded 8 tackles and a sack through 5 games, en route to a B1G honorable mention selection.

Those aren’t the only key absences for the Buckeyes. Earlier on Monday, starting kicker Blake Haubeil announced on Instagram that he had tested positive for the coronavirus and stayed behind in Columbus.

And, per the injury report, the kicking ranks will be thinner than that as backup Dom DiMaccio will also miss the game. That means true freshman Jake Seibert will be counted on to perform kicking duties during the game.

Below is a full list of the Buckeyes that will miss the contest:

Ohio State's full unavailability report:

CB Cam Brown
DL Jacolbe Cowan
K Dominic DiMaccio
DT Ty Hamilton
WR Jaylen Harris
K Blake Haubeil
OT Dawand Jones
LB Cade Kacherski
LB Mitchell Melton
DE Tyreke Smith
DT Tommy Togiai
S Kourt Williams
RB Miyan Williams

Yes, two kickers.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) January 12, 2021

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.