Oregon without pass rusher Thibodeaux
Ohio State did not face Kayvon Thibodeaux, the star defensive end for Oregon and potential top pick in next year’s NFL draft.
Thibodeaux, who sprained an ankle in the Ducks’ season opener, traveled with the team for Saturday’s game and looked as if he might attempt to play against the Buckeyes, but he never warmed up ahead of kickoff.
He remained in sweats and stood on the visiting sideline at Ohio Stadium throughout the game.
Feared as a pass rusher, Thibodeaux had a sack and strip that led to a touchdown in Oregon’s opening win last week against Fresno State.
The absence of Thibodeaux helped the Buckeyes’ offensive line keep quarterback C.J. Stroud well protected.
Midway through the fourth quarter, he had not been sacked and officially hurried only once. Facing minimal pressure, Stroud helped the Buckeyes remain in a tight game.
Oregon’s defense was also without linebacker Justin Flowe, a talented freshman and former five-star recruit who had led the Ducks with 14 tackles while making his first start in their opener.
Flowe was on the sideline with his right foot in a walking boot on the sideline.
Josh Proctor carted off with an apparent leg injury
Safety Josh Proctor was carted off the field in the third quarter after trainers placed an air cast on his right leg.
Proctor suffered the injury before Oregon scored a touchdown to move ahead by a score of 28-14.
He was available after appearing to injure his shoulder in the season-opening win at Minnesota and his status had been in question leading up to kickoff.
Redshirt sophomore Bryson Shaw, though, got the start as single-high safety, while Proctor waited until the second quarter before entering the game.
Shortened running back rotation
After distributing carries to four running backs at Minnesota, the Buckeyes used only Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams against Oregon.
As the starter for the second straight week, Williams saw the first nine carries in the first quarter before Henderson would spell him.
Neither Master Teague nor Marcus Crowley carried the ball.
Exclusive passing club for Stroud
Stroud became only the third Buckeyes quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards in a game.
The others to reach that threshold include Art Schlichter and Dwayne Haskins
Starting secondary brings back Cameron Brown
After being sidelined for the season opener, Cameron Brown returned for the Buckeyes and started at the outside cornerback spot opposite Denzel Burke.
Burke, a true freshman, made his second consecutive start.
Transfer linebacker debuts
Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote made his debut for Ohio State in the second quarter. It was only one day after the NCAA determined Gaoteote was eligible to play for the Buckeyes this season after transferring from USC in June.
Punting precision
Punter Jesse Mirco twice pinned Oregon at its 1-yard line during the first and second quarters.
It was only the Australian freshman’s second appearance for the Buckeyes after joining the program earlier this year and taking over punting duties from Drue Chrisman.
Kickoff returns
Freshman wide receiver Emeka Egbuka handled kickoff returns and took two of them back for a total of 56 yards.
In the season opener, Henderson had been back for kickoff returns.
Etc.
Haskell Garrett started at defensive tackle along with Taron Vincent. Garrett had been a reserve at Minnesota, while Antwuan Jackson started with Vincent. ... The announced crowd was 100,482. Since the expansion of Ohio Stadium in 2001, the Buckeyes have drawn crowds of at least 100,000 for all but two games spectators have been permitted, but four days before kickoff, as many as 10,000 tickets remained unsold.