COLUMBUS – It could be argued that Saturday’s game at home against Michigan State is the biggest of the year for the Buckeyes. The winner sets itself up for a run at the Big Ten title, while the loser is likely removed from contention for the conference crown.

OSU will have to find a way to win the game without two key defensive players, as starting linebackers Jerome Baker and Dante Booker will not play for the Scarlet and Gray sources close to the program told Bucknuts.

Ohio State did not return request for comment.

Baker is a second-year starter who is tied for second on the team with 44 tackles this season and has contributed 4.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks

Booker is in his first full season as a starter, after being injured in the first game of last year. He registered 31 tackles, five tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Both players were a part of Ohio State's 55-24 loss to Iowa last week where the linebackers were exposed in pass coverage.

In their place, sophomore Malik Harrison and redshirt freshman Tuf Borland will lineup at linebacker alongside Chris Worley Bucknuts is told.

UPDATE: Ohio State says it will release a statement closer to game time.

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