Ohio State Loses Top Receivers Ahead of Crucial UCLA Clash

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the UCLA Bruins on November 15th, they will be without two of their top wide receivers. The team has ruled out junior Carnell Tate and listed sophomore Jeremiah Smith as questionable on their weekly availability report.

Tate, who missed last week's win at Purdue as a precaution for an unspecified injury, will sit out the UCLA game as well. Coach Ryan Day said Tate was expected to play against the Boilermakers, but an issue arose during warmups that led the team to reevaluate his status. While the injury is not considered a significant setback, the Buckeyes will have to make do without their star receiver.

In Tate's absence last week, Smith stepped up with a career-high 10 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown. The duo has formed one of the best receiving tandems in college football, combining for 104 catches, 1,573 yards, and 17 touchdowns so far this season. Their absence will be a significant blow to the Buckeyes' high-powered offense as they take on the Bruins.

Despite the losses at receiver, the Buckeyes are healthier along the offensive line, with starting right tackle Phillip Daniels available after missing the Purdue game. However, they will still be without several other players, including quarterback Mason Maggs, wide receiver De'zie Jones, and safety Malik Hartford, as well as five defensive linemen.