Ohio State could lose Moeller for rest of the season
10/3/2010COLUMBUS – Saturday's 24-13 victory over Illinois could prove to be particularly costly for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Standout senior defensive back Tyler Moeller left the game in the first half with an injury that will reportedly keep him out the remainder of the season.
The OSU fan site Bucknuts, citing several sources close to the program, reported Sunday that Moeller has a torn pectoral muscle. Moeller had started all five games for the Buckeyes this season at the “star” position, which is the fifth defensive back used in potential passing situations – roughly 70 percent of the plays.
Moeller is the fourth-leading tackler on the team with 20 stops, and leads the team in tackles behind the line of scrimmage, accounting for 33 yards in losses by the opposition.
If the reports of the seriousness of his injury are accurate, it will be the second major stroke of misfortune for the Cincinnati native. While vacationing in Florida with his family in the summer of 2009, Moeller was struck in the back of the head by an assailant, while at a sports bar.
Moeller hit his head on the floor after he was struck, and spent several days in intensive care with swelling and bleeding inside his skull. He needed surgery to relieve the pressure, and missed all of the 2009 season.
Citing privacy laws, Ohio State did not release any details of Moeller's injury following Saturday's game.