Ohio State may have another back in the mix against fifth-ranked IU, and Carlos Locklyn made that possibility more visible on Saturday. The Buckeyes' running backs coach posted a picture with Legend Bey and suggested the freshman could get some run time in a rematch that carries extra weight after IU beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship last season.
The timing matters. Before Saturday's game, Austin Siereveld was out and Ja'Kobi Jackson was out for Ohio State, leaving the Buckeyes thinner than usual in the backfield. Bo Jackson is expected to get most of the carries, but Ohio State appears to be looking for another option if the game calls for it.
Why Legend Bey is in the conversation
Bey is a freshman with explosiveness, but he has also had trouble earning the coaches' trust. That has limited his role so far. Still, Locklyn's message suggested the staff is willing to give him a chance in a major spot, especially with one bye next week and then back-to-back games against USC and Oregon on the schedule after that.
Locklyn's post included a Sun Tzu quote about opportunities multiplying when they are seized, along with the note that it looked like Legend might be getting some run time against Indiana. For Ohio State, that is the clearest sign yet that Bey could be part of the plan if the Buckeyes need another runner to help balance the workload.
Whether that turns into meaningful carries is still the question. But with Ja'Kobi Jackson unavailable and a rematch against IU on deck, Ohio State has a reason to test depth, and Legend Bey is now part of that conversation.
