Ohio State already knew coming into today’s opener that they would have eight new starters on the defensive side of the ball. Now, that number will jump to nine.
Ben Axelrod of BuckeyeGrove.com reported late Friday night that starting safety C.J. Barnett will miss the game Saturday against Buffalo. The senior suffered a sprained ankle during practice earlier this week and had been limited since.
OSU subsequently confirmed Barnett will not play due to the injury
Barnett started nine games in 2012, missing the other three contests with an ankle injury. All told, Barnett has started 24 of the 32 games in which he’s played, making him the most experienced returning member of the Buckeyes’ defense.
OSU lost seven defensive starters following the 2012 season, then lost an eighth when All-Big Ten cornerback Bradley Roby was suspended for at least a game following an offseason arrest.