In the season opener, Ohio State's defense used 24 players despite missing three starters while four running backs saw action behind C.J. Stroud.
Clearly, Ryan Day and company felt a need to give players an opportunity at gaining some early experience both for their own good and for the staff to further determine which players will receive the bulk of time as the number of guys playing meaningful snaps inevitably decreases.
That shortening of the bench will more than likely begin this weekend, and not just on defense, as the No. 3 Buckeyes welcome No.