The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has a way of producing unexpected heroes.
Dallan Hayden could be that player in 2022 when No. 2 Ohio State meets No. 3 Michigan at noon on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The freshman running back has taken advantage of opportunities to other running backs in the Buckeyes' running back rotation.
Hayden had 27 carries for 146 yards and three TDs in Ohio State's victory against Maryland on Nov. 19. He has 100 carries for 503 yards and five TDs this season.
The Dallan Hayden Game™️ pic.twitter.com/NCtrOry60D
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) November 20, 2022
Could Hayden be the starter for the Buckeyes against Michigan?
"It's definitely worth a conversation," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said at his press conference Tuesday. "When you put it on film, and the film speaks for itself; you have to have that conversation – in this moment – who is the best guy to put on the field?"
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Ohio State's RB depth chart
TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams were atop the Ohio State depth chart in the preseason, and Hayden and Evan Pryor were batting for third-string carries. Pryor was a standout at the spring game with 62 rushing yards and a TD.
Pryor, however, suffered a season-ending knee injury in fall camp. That opened the door for Hayden, a four-star running back from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis — to get carries in mop-up duty.
Hayden impressed with 108 rushing yards against Toledo on Sept. 17 and 70 yards against Michigan State on Oct. 8.
Injuries help Hayden move up
Williams, who had 783 rushing yards and 13 TDs as a breakout performer for the Buckeyes, left the Indiana game on Nov. 12 with a knee injury. Williams did not play against Maryland on Nov. 19.
Henderson missed two games with a nagging foot injury and returned for the Maryland game. He finished with 11 carries for 19 yards and was limited for Ohio State.
Those injuries have led to an increased late-season role for Hayden, and he has taken advantage the last two weeks. He rushed 19 times for 102 yards and a TD against Indiana before the three-TD performance against Maryland. He's averaged 5.6 yards per carry the last two weeks.
Day did not confirm whether Williams would play or whether Henderson is full-go for the Michigan game. Hayden, however, seems in line for an increased role.
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Ohio State freshmen running backs vs. Michigan
Day said Hayden's most-important job when he gets opportunities on Saturday will be ball security. Hayden has not fumbled this season.
"It was great to see him take care of the football," Day said. "That's the number one thing we need."
Ohio State has a history of freshman running backs making an impact in this game. In 1972, Archie Griffin had 80 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State's 14-11 victory against Michigan. Maurice Clarett (119 yards, TD in 2002), Beanie Wells (56 yards, TD in 2006) and JK Dobbins (101 yards, TD in 2017) also have used this stage to make an impact. Michigan is second in the FBS in run defense (79.5) so it will not be easy.
Still, the opportunity is there. In a game where both sides have major injury question marks at running back, will Hayden be the hero for the Buckeyes?
