COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's win over Wisconsin Saturday night came with disappointing news for the Buckeyes.
Senior safety and team captain Christian Bryant suffered a broken ankle late in the game and has probably played his last down as a Buckeye.
An emotional Urban Meyer delivered the news in his postgame press conference, saying Bryant was being taken to a local hospital for surgery.
"Just tough news," Meyer said. "That's the hardest part of this whole job, to see (that happen). I'm not sure everybody understands what goes into playing football, the training, the work ethic, all that. My goodness. I just love that kid.
"That darn kid has done so much for our program, come so far. He has incredible leadership skills."
At one point Meyer slammed his hand on the podium and twice fought back tears.
"He's our leader," Meyer said of Bryant. "No doubt he is one of our -- if not the defensive leader, one of them. And he's just devastated."
Bryant, a Cleveland native, has been a three-year starter and a productive player, finishing second on the team in tackles last season and third in 2011. He had one interception last season and one this season.
Fellow senior Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown will likely get the first shot to replace Bryant in the starting lineup, though highly-touted freshman Vonn Bell could also see increased snaps.
