COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Tyler Moeller knew instantly what the familiar stab of pain meant.
The jolt hit him as he was putting on his uniform before No. 2 Ohio State’s game at Illinois on Saturday. Later on the field, he could feel it as a chest muscle tore loose from the bones.
Even though he missed all of last year because of a severe brain injury, and even though he lives to play football, Moeller is trying to look at his latest season-ending injury as an opportunity — even though it may mark the end of his college career.
Losing Moeller is a big blow to the Buckeyes. His replacement at the “star” position — part nickel back, part a melding of defensive back and linebacker — will be true freshman Christian Bryant who had just one collegiate tackle until taking over for Moeller last week.
