It’s tough to lose a starter while trying to close out a run to the College Football Playoff. That’s exactly the situation Ohio State finds itself in, though. Even worse, that starter was center Seth McLaughlin. The quarterback is often thought of as the most important player on the team, but remember, the center touches the ball on every play as well.

Losing McLaughlin is tough for Ohio State. He’s an All-American-type player, but he’ll miss the rest of the 2024 campaign with a torn Achilles.

“Yeah, you know, Seth tore his Achilles on a non-contact injury. Crushed for Seth, you know, and our team, but once that wears off you have to move on,” head coach Ryan Day said in an update, according to On3’s  Spencer Holbrook. “It’s a next man-up mentality. Certainly, nobody cares. We’ll make adjustments.

Day’s point is that No. 5 Indiana certainly isn’t going to take it easy on Ohio State because of McLaughlin’s injury. The Buckeyes have to adjust, and they have to adjust quickly.

The good news for OSU is that left guard Carson Hinzman started 12 games at center last year, so he’s the natural choice to slide over a spot to replace McLaughlin. Sophomore Austin Siereveld will have to step up to replace Hinzman at left guard. He started two games at left guard earlier this season.

“It’s like a body blow when something like that happens. Seth means a lot to this team and what he’s done since he’s been here. .. We’re going to move on, focus on the future and focus on the guys who are in the game,” Day said.