When Urban Meyer took over at Ohio State in January 2012, he wasn’t high on his receivers, referring to the young group as a “clown show.”
Over the past three years, though, that clown show has matured into a strength that could lead the fourth-ranked Buckeyes to a win over No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
That’s an advantage Meyer has been working toward since the moment he settled in at Ohio State. It started with the maturation process of two then-sophomores who have become senior leaders for this year’s team. Devin Smith, the Buckeyes’ blazing deep threat, and Evan Spencer, the unit’s do-everything wideout, serve as the foundation for one of the most explosive groups of receivers in the country.
Meyer built on that foundation with his unparalleled ability to recruit playmakers who fit his system. In 2012, the Buckeyes brought in Michael Thomas, who was ranked the No. 3 prep wide receiver in the country. A year later, he brought in 4-star prospects Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall to play H-back (commonly referred to as the Percy Harvin Position), making Ohio State’s offense much more lethal.
That group helped the Buckeyes transition away from the run-heavy strategy deployed last year with Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde in the backfield. With a bevy of talent on the perimeter, Meyer was comfortable putting the ball in the air more frequently, which has led to a more balanced attack.
A season ago, the Buckeyes ranked 90th nationally in passing yards,…
Continue Reading: Ohio State’s Receivers Will Be a Matchup Issue for Alabama
