Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith met with reporters Monday ahead of the team’s trip to face No. 1 Ohio State.
Despite entering as nearly three-touchdown underdogs, Penn State expects key reinforcements on the offensive line.
Smith confirmed that linemen Vega Ioane and Cooper Cousins will both be available for Saturday’s matchup.
“Both of those guys will be available this week,” Smith said. “We’re looking forward to getting them back out there.”
During last week’s bye week, backup quarterback Jaxon Smolik missed significant time due to injury. With senior Drew Allar sidelined by a season-ending injury suffered against Northwestern, the quarterback depth behind starter Ethan Grunkemeyer would be thinner without Smolik.
While Smith didn’t give a clear update on Smolik, he did update the status of defensive end Zuriah Fisher.
“Jaxon Smolik—there’s no update right now,” Smith said. “We do know Bekkem Kritza will be available if Jaxon isn’t ready. And Zuriah Fisher should be back this week.”
Kritza, the true freshman from Chandler, Arizona who played his high school football at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, has yet to attempt a collegiate pass.
Penn State will travel to Columbus for Saturday’s noon kickoff on FOX, aiming to rebound against the top-ranked Buckeyes.
