Day: 'Full strength is a floating target' for Ohio State after COVID-19 issues

Ohio State appears poised to return a significant amount of talent when it faces Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday, but head coach Ryan Day is tempering expectations.

"Full strength is a floating target right now," Day said Thursday, according to ESPN's David M. Hale. "Those guys who come off quarantine and isolation, they have a protocol to get back on the field. You don't just play football after not doing anything for nine or 10 days. All those guys we were missing for the last month are working their way back."

The Buckeyes won their fourth consecutive Big Ten title against Northwestern despite missing several key starters due to COVID-19 protocols. Wide receiver Chris Olave and linebacker Baron Browning were among 22 players unavailable for the conference championship.

The Big Ten amended its previous 21-day quarantine policy for anyone exposed to the virus soon after Ohio State was named to the playoff field.

"We are getting a lot of guys back, but to say 100%, it's different," Day said. "The good news is they're working their way back and getting stronger every day."

Day was reluctant to provide details about the thumb injury sustained by starting quarterback Justin Fields in the Big Ten title game. The signal-caller has downplayed his ailment, insisting he'll be fine for Friday's contest.

Clemson, meanwhile, is dealing with its own COVID-19 issues after offensive coordinator Tony Elliott tested positive for the virus. Elliott is expected to miss the semifinal matchup.

Ohio State finished the shortened 2020 campaign with a 6-0 record, but some in the college football world have questioned whether the Buckeyes' resume was strong enough to warrant consideration for the College Football Playoff. Chief among those critics is Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who ranked Ohio State 11th in the final coaches poll of the season.

The Buckeyes will get a chance to prove the Tigers boss wrong in the Sugar Bowl.