Ohio State's Ryan Day challenges non-Jeremiah Smith WRs before Illinois clash
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Despite collapsing in Texas, Ohio State football remains on the shortlist of national championship contenders this season. The coaching staff is still loaded with NFL experience, Julian Sayin is still completing more than 70 percent of his passes, the defense still appears dominant and Jeremiah Smith is still one of the best wide receivers the college football world has seen in the last few decades. There is one notable difference, though, and it could be worth tracking as the schedule ramps up.
The Buckeyes do not have a clear No. 2 pass-catcher like they have had in years past. Smith is producing colossal numbers all the same, totaling 21 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns through three games, but no other Ohio State wideout has double-digit catches or more than 133 receiving yards. Ninth-year head coach Ryan Day is issuing a challenge to the rest of the WR room ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten face-off with Illinois.
“Day said wide receivers not named Jeremiah Smith will have to step up against Illinois and fight for yards after the catch,” Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors writes.
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The Fighting Illini’s defense leaves plenty to be desired, ranking in the bottom-five of the conference with 217.7 passing yards allowed per game, but they boast a dangerous offense that is averaging 39.0 points in the early portion of the campaign. Although the Buckeyes do not typically find themselves in shootouts, they must be prepared to inflict damage with other guys besides Jeremiah Smith.
Even if Ohio State football does not need to empty the arsenal versus Illinois, the time will come when the passing attack has to display more balance. Day sent his message, and now fans will see how Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd respond this Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon in Columbus.
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