Wednesday briefing: Barnett ready to return
October, 10, 2012
By Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The substitution is fairly standard, and Ohio State was likely to be using its nickel package a lot anyway.
The Buckeyes obviously would have preferred to have their full array of options available instead of what amounts to a trade of a healthy defensive back for an injured linebacker.
Already preparing to face a pass-heavy offense on Saturday, the return of C.J. Barnett should provide a lift in the secondary by restoring a starter to the lineup and adding more flexibility in defending Indiana on Saturday. But the Buckeyes also need the junior back to help offset the loss of senior linebacker Etienne Sabino to a fractured bone in his right leg, an injury that has combined with the lack of depth at the second level and Indiana's spread offense to to put even more emphasis on solid play in the backend.
"We'll be in a lot of nickel this week," Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said after practice Wednesday. "[Barnett is] good, about full speed -- he?s playing."
Barnett hasn't played the last three games thanks to his sore ankle, though he at least gave some indication of being close to contributing on the field again after suiting up for the win over Nebraska.
Ultimately he wasn't needed and the secondary nabbed three interceptions without him. But Barnett had been a steady contributor before going down with his injury, making 17 tackles, including one for a loss, and breaking up three passes for a unit that has been forcing turnovers with regularity but could certainly still use another veteran presence.
"C.J. is coming along, his ankle is better," safety Christian Bryant said. "I would say he?s about 90 percent, to be honest. ... He?s been playing it pretty cool, just being one of those top older guys on the sideline coaching guys up, telling us what he sees out there so we can be prepared for it. C.J. has been doing a good job so far even without playing.
"He brings a lot to the table. He?s an experienced guy, he?s been playing for about three years now, so I?m looking forward to him being out there again on the field with me."
