I don't know how long he was expected to be out but a "core muscle" injury isn't a simple injury for a defensive lineman. It is probably a safe bet he wouldn't be ready before the end of the regular season. Coming back too early and/or risking another injury for the glory of OSU doesn't strike me as a strange decision.

I don't like the current trend among healthy players opting out of bowl games but I don't really blame them.

to see if Tillery and Coney decide to play or not. Both would have a lot to lose and not much if anything to gain, assuming they finish the season strong like they have been playing so far and free from injury. They have their degree's.

Id like to think that everyone would honor their commitment to their teammates by completing the season but bowl games are an odd beast. For one thing the scholarship transaction is over at that point. The playoff certainly seems to be something different, though here the commitment to the institution is over though the commitment to ones teammates is not

and said, "nah, I'm good"