Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade a “game-time decision” for Michigan

The Ohio State football team could be without one of its top cornerbacks when it plays Michigan on Saturday.

The Buckeyes listed redshirt sophomore Shaun Wade as a game-time decision on their status report Friday. Ohio State typically does not provide details on injuries or other reasons for possible unavailability.

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Wade’s potential absence would be significant. Michigan’s talented receivers are perhaps its biggest offensive strength, and the Wolverines’ passing game is clicking. Quarterback Shea Patterson has thrown nine touchdown passes in victories over Michigan State and Indiana the past two weeks.

Wade has played superbly this season and has teamed with fellow cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette to help the Buckeyes have the stingiest pass defense in the country in terms of passing yards allowed per game.

The versatile Wade leads the Buckeyes with eight pass breakups. He has one interception and two sacks.

On Ohio State’s depth chart, Amir Riep and Marcus Williamson are listed as Wade’s backups. However, when Arnette was held out of the Rutgers game to give his fractured wrist more time to heal, sophomore Sevyn Banks started in his place. In last year’s Michigan game, Banks returned a punt blocked by Chris Olave for a touchdown.

Wade was the only player listed as a game-time decision. Listed as unavailable are wide receivers C.J. Saunders, Kamryn Babb and Elijah Gardiner; running back Marcus Crowley; offensive linemen Gavin Cupp and Matthew Jones; defensive linemen Noah Donald and Taron Vincent; and safeties Josh Proctor and Ronnie Hickman.

brabinowitz@dispatch.com

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