Smacking the podium in frustration during his post-game talk with the media, Urban Meyer announced that his defense has lost a rather valuable member of its defense.
Starting safety Christian Bryant, Meyer said, suffered a broken ankle in the 31-24 win over Wisconsin Saturday night. The true senior was transported to a local hospital, where he will undergo surgery to repair the damage.
Bryant is expected to miss the remainder of the 2013 season.
The loss of Bryant is a significant one for a Buckeyes defense that came into the 2013 season lacking experienced starters.
During his time in Columbus, Bryant has played in 36 games and has started 26 times, including all 12 games in 2012 and the first five in 2013. Bryant is currently third on the team in tackles with 22 tackles, and has been credited with one interceptions, two pass breakups and three passes defensed.
His backup on the UW depth chart was listed as Ron Tanner.