Ohio State's most important position will be put to the ultimate test against Oregon: Halftime thoughts from Stephen Means

For Michalski, a chance to prove himself would mean a trial by fire midway through the second quarter as the Buckeyes lost 15-14 on the road, in a game where momentum was difficult to gain and even more difficult to maintain.

He showed quality by keeping Will Howard clean and opening up holes in the running game. That included a four-and-two near midfield where the playbook appeared to be as much about sending a message to a player with his first meaningful snaps as it was about a team trying to be aggressive.

Ryan Day and Chip Kelly used that moment to make sure Michalski knew they believed in him, and it paid off.

Perhaps it will also pay off in the final 30 minutes of Saturday's game and even beyond, depending on the severity of Simmons and Tshabola's injuries. Tshabola was at least still on the sidelines and seemed ready to return. Simmons left on a cart and was never seen again in the first half.

The offensive line was the biggest question mark for Ohio State early in the season, as the last time we saw the unit the play was abysmal. Once again, the position group's play is in question due to two untimely injuries in OSU's biggest game to date.

Frye vowed to assemble a back two of players he trusted would be ready for this unfortunate moment. Now comes the chance to prove that he can be a man of his word.

This could determine whether the Buckeyes still leave Eugene, Oregon undefeated.