For Urban Meyer and Ohio State, the goal is to always go out and recruit the best skill position players in the country, being threats to score a TD every time they touch the ball. Four years into his tenure, Urban is finally satisfied with the depth of his skill position players. They’ve gone and found the best players not only in Ohio, but throughout the country, which is a huge difference than in years before Urban.

Just last year, the WR group only really had a rotation of 6 people: Devin Smith, Evan Spencer, Michael Thomas, Corey Smith, Jalin Marshall, and Dontre Wilson. With just that group, they got plenty of reps to achieve and maintain a rhythm. Their roles were defined, and over time, and over plays, they got more opportunities to potentially break through. Obviously, Devin Smith was known for his deep play ability. Because he played most of the game, opposing DB’s had to consistently stay honest. He wasn’t just sent out there for one play to go on a vertical route, then substituted out of the game. He had time to potentially convert on a deep ball.

Evan Spencer wasn’t known for his big play ability with the ball in his hands, but he was known for his selfless play and outstanding blocking on the outside. Because each position was truly only 2-deep, Evan was allowed to stay out there and block to open up the run game. He wasn’t constantly substituted, potentially getting out of rhythm. Dontre and Jalin were the two H-Back’s, and although they are relatively small and need depth due to injury concerns, consistent reps are vital. That is especially evident once Dontre got injured. Jalin stepped up, and without the predictability that comes with limited reps, he put up the biggest H-Back numbers in the Ohio State, Urban Meyer Era.

Now, fast forward to this, 2015-2016 season, Urban has the depth as he wants. Meyer said he likes to rank the top 10 playmakers on the team, if the team is lucky enough to have that. Last year, the team was slightly over 10, and this year, the team is far over that number. In the WR group, there now is: Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas, Corey Smith, Jeff Greene, Johnnie Dixon, James Clark, Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell Jr., Curtis Samuel, Dontre Wilson, Jalin Marshall, (The now injured) Noah Brown, KJ Hill, and now Torrance Gibson. Out of those 14 players listed ( I know I didn’t add Stump), 9 of them need to, and do play. That’s a huge jump from the 6 players the year before.

For the 1st game of this season, VA Tech, 3 of the top receivers were suspended. This meant that there would be only one WR playing that night, that had actually ever played WR at the college level before (Michael Thomas). Many people, including myself, were very concerned with how those young players would manage on the big stage, against one of the best defenses in college football. “Depth at receiver is a concern for this game. Talent isn’t.” said Urban before that game.

Obviously, the young, and unproven WRs were plenty skilled and talented as Urban said. Of the 3 TD passes, two of them were to Braxton and Curtis who were both new to the H-Back position. Parris Campbell seemed to be the heir to Evan Spencer’s “selfless throne”, and the other guys showed flashes of speed. Then, of course, Braxton Miller added to his case that he is the most athletic player in the country.

Then came the Hawaii game when the 3 players returned, and the Buckeyes were 41 point favorites. With the depth and speed outside, the fans and the coaches expected a high-scoring, big play game for the Buckeyes. You guys, of course, know what actually happened. The Buckeyes had an extremely sloppy game, with relatively no big plays, and no TD passes for the first time in a couple of years, but winning 38-0. Although that may seem like a dominating win, everybody was upset, including Urban Meyer.

One thing that was very noticeable, was the rotation of the WR, and the lack of touches for all of them. The passing game was extremely inconsistent, so the question arises. Does this team have too many playmakers at WR?

“Playing this position, you gotta be patient. Half the time you’re not even touching the ball.” said Braxton after Virginia Tech. And, according to Urban, the goal is to get Braxton “double-digit” touches. Also, “The days of Curtis Samuel playing 10 plays are over. It’s our job to get him on the field for 40 or 50 plays.”, which means preferably double-digit touches for him too. There is also the electric Jalin Marshall, who, just last year, single-handedly pulled us to victory over Indiana with a 4 TD second-half, who deserves touches.

There is also a extremely quick, and extremely hyped, Dontre Wilson. Dontre is often overlooked because of the huge expectations coming in to Ohio State, and the comparisons with the almost mythical, Percy Harvin. But, in his first two years, he has averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 11.9 yards per reception. Numbers like those will start almost anywhere in the nation, but at Ohio State, Dontre is listed as a back-up to RS FR Parris Campbell, and in his first game back against Hawaii, Dontre had few snaps and zero touches.

There is also Corey Smith who, at one time, was referred by Tom Herman as one of the most athletically gifted on the field. When Corey was transferring from his JUCO school, Nick Saban also recruited him hard; wanting him to be the starter opposite Amari Cooper. Although Corey didn’t have the best of years last season, he came on towards the end of the season and made some fairly big plays. Like Dontre, he would probably start at most schools throughout the nation, but at Ohio State he is listed as a 3rd-string, behind Michael Thomas and Jeff Greene.

“We’re gonna throw to him again, and again.” said Urban Meyer when asked about Parris Campbell after the Va Tech game. Urban has also mentioned Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin as guys that are “coming on.”

How do the coaches manage all these WRs that deserve touches? How do they continue to give Ezekiel Elliott more touches while taking away from the WR? How do the players get a rhythm outside? How do you keep the players happy since they don’t get many touches? Do we have too many playmakers? Well, according to a source within the program, you can’t have too many. Because of the nature of the sport, you need as many as you can have. He also said that as cliche as it may sound, Coach Meyer has really implemented the culture where the players are all about the bigger picture of the team. Although, some guys may be thinking they need more touches, it’s never heard.

As the season grinds on, it will be much easier to balance all the playmakers at WR. Coaches and players will get more in sync, stepping up and proving they can make plays, there will be more clarity. Though it may seem tough, the coaches are paid big bucks for a reason, they will find a way to have the offense running at it’s highest potential.

The Big Ten Conference suffered a much kinder fate in week two than it did in the opening weekend of the season, responding well to go 12-2 as a whole. Michigan State’s win over Oregon in East Lansing highlighted the weekend for the conference.

Michigan 35, Oregon State 7

In Jim Harbaugh’s first game in the Big House as head coach, the Wolverines did not disappoint the home crowd. Oregon State scored on its first drive and led 7-3 after the 1st quarter, but after that it was all Wolverines, scoring 32 unanswered to finish off the game.

De’Veon Smith was the star of the game, scoring three touchdowns while rushing for 126 yards. Derrick Green even managed to find the end zone late in the blowout victory. The Wolverines should have another easy day this weekend when UNLV comes to Ann Arbor.

Illinois 44, Western Illinois 0

It was another walk in the park for the Illini as they easily dispatched the Leathernecks in this matchup of in-state schools. Up 30-0 at halftime, the game was never in doubt for Illinois as they improved to 2-0 on the young season.

Wes Lunt tossed the ball around to several receivers all game, ending with 316 yards on 33-46 passing including a touchdown. Geronimo Allison was the leading receiver for the Illini with 8 catches for 124 yards. Next on the docket for Bill Cubit’s squad is a trip to Chapel Hill to face the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Bowling Green 48, Maryland 27

This week in embarrassing losses for the Big Ten features the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins actually led this game 13-6 at halftime before the wheels completely fell off. Matt Johnson and Roger Lewis were the difference makers for the Falcons. Johnson threw for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns while Lewis brought in 15 passes for 200 yards and two of those scores.

Maryland actually tied up the game early in the 4th quarter before Johnson took over with three late touchdown passes. The Terrapins will look to rebound next week when South Florida comes to town.

Penn State 27, Buffalo 14

Penn State flirted with danger again this week as they let yet another lower opponent stick around a little longer than they should have. A Joe Licata pass to Ron Willoughby brought the Bulls within 3 points late in the 3rd quarter before the Nittany Lions pulled away.

Christian Hackenberg was again less than impressive, going just 14-27 for 128 yards and a touchdown in this one. Penn State opens up Big Ten play this week when they welcome Rutgers to Happy Valley.

Purdue 38, Indiana State 14

Purdue bounced back from an opening weekend defeat to beat in-state FCS opponent Indiana State. Austin Appleby played well for the Boilermakers, completing 20 of 34 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

D.J. Knox carried the weight in the backfield for Purdue with 91 yards on just 16 carries. Buckeye fans will be familiar with the Boilermakers’ next opponent, as Virginia Tech goes on the road to West Lafayette.

Wisconsin 58, Miami (OH) 0

The Badgers made quick work of the visiting RedHawks, dominating from start to finish in this one. Joel Stave bounced back from the loss to Alabama by throwing for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Dare Ogunbowale did most of the damage running the ball for Wisconsin, toting the rock 16 times for 112 yards and a score. Another easy victory awaits the Badgers when Troy makes the trip to Madison to collect their paycheck.

Washington State 37, Rutgers 34

Janarion Grant and the Rutgers’ special teams did their best late in the game to give the Scarlet Knights their second straight victory over Mike Leach and the Cougars. Grant returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the 4th quarter to give Rutgers the lead both times and both times, the Cougars drove back down the field and retook the lead.

The final comeback drive was impressive as Washington State went 90 yards in just 1:18 that culminated in a touchdown pass from Luke Falk to River Cracraft with just 13 seconds remaining. Rutgers opens up Big Ten play on the road next week against Penn State.

Minnesota 23, Colorado State 20 (OT)

It took overtime, but Minnesota finally put away the Rams on the road. Colorado State opened the overtime period with the ball but Dalyn Dawkins promptly coughed it up, allowing the Gophers a chance to win the game with any score on their possession. Ryan Santoso kicked three field goals on the day, including an 18-yarder to seal the victory.

Mitch Leidner was effective in victory, throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns as Minnesota bounced back from their defeat to TCU in the opener. The Golden Gophers will try to continue their winning way when the Kent State Golden Flashes take a trip north.

Ohio State 38, Hawaii 0

It was a bit of a sluggish start for the defending national champions as they opened up their home schedule with a visit from the Rainbow Warriors. Ezekiel Elliott and the Buckeye defense were the difference makers in this one.

Elliott found the end zone three times and rushed for over 100 yards yet again while the Silver Bullets also made their way into paydirt when Vonn Bell scooped up a fumble and returned it 14 yards for the score. Northern Illinois is next up as the Buckeyes make their way towards B1G play.

Northwestern 41, Eastern Illinois 0

A week after upsetting Stanford at Ryan Field, Northwestern was impressive again as they shut out the visiting Panthers. Clayton Thorson threw his first career touchdown and ran in another as the Wildcats routed their in-state guests.

Justin Jackson also got on the scoresheet for Northwestern, scoring the team’s first touchdown of the game and rushing for 78 yards total. Looking to improve on their 2-0 start to the season, the Wildcats take a visit to Tobacco Road to take on Duke.

Iowa 31, Iowa State 17

A strong second half propelled the Hawkeyes to victory in this rivalry game. Iowa went in to the break trailing the Cyclones 17-10, but dominated the 3rd and 4th quarters behind a strong defense and C.J. Beathard’s quarterback play.

Beathard threw three touchdowns in the game, including two in the second half to give the Hawkeyes the victory on the road. Pittsburgh will be Iowa’s next opponent when they come to Iowa City Saturday night.

Michigan State 31, Oregon 28

Vernon Adams Jr. will get all the headlines, but Connor Cook was solid for the Spartans as they avenged last season’s early loss to the Ducks. Cook threw for just 192 yards but his two touchdown passes were key in Michigan State’s victory.

The Spartan defense held strong at the end when Adams was leading Oregon down the field for a possible game-winning score. Michigan State will look to avoid a letdown from their big win as they take on the Air Force Academy this week.

Nebraska 48, South Alabama 9

If the Cornhuskers had any frustration pent up after the Hail Mary loss to BYU, they took it all out on poor South Alabama. Nebraska showed no mercy when the Jaguars came to Lincoln, going up by a score of 48-3 before their opponents finally found the end zone with 3:36 left in the ball game.

Terrell Newby scored three touchdowns for Nebraska, two of them on the ground, and added 198 yards rushing to easily lead the Cornhuskers to victory. It’s a big week for Big Red as they take their talents to South Beach to take on the Hurricanes.

Indiana 36, Florida International 22

The Hoosiers were in yet another dogfight with a lower opponent this week when the Golden Panthers made their way in to Bloomington. FIU were poised to score the game-tying touchdown late in the 4th quarter when Jameel Cook Jr. picked off a pass and sprinted 96 yards to the house.

Nate Sudfeld was the leader offensively for Indiana, throwing for 234 yards and a score, while adding two scores on the ground to help the Hoosiers improve to 2-0. Indiana will have another tough test of a lower conference opponent when Western Kentucky comes to town.

How impressed were you with Michigan State’s victory over Oregon? Is there a game you’re especially interested in watching this weekend?