With Austin Mack out indefinitely after injuring his foot against Purdue, all eyes turn to Binjimen Victor as Ohio State's starting X receiver.
Victor has had an inconsistent Buckeye career thus far, struggling as a blocker and a route runner at times, but he's made his share of highlight plays this season, including his game-breaking touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Penn State.
“In terms of talent level, it's off the charts,” offensive coordinator Ryan Day said after his touchdown against Penn State. “That's one catch. Now, we've got to keep building from there.”
There's no longer time to build. Victor is now a starter in a key position in a pass-heavy offense, replacing a guy who played a team-high 346 snaps. The Buckeyes need him to be at his best consistently from here on out.
But more than that, they need depth to emerge.
With Mack as the starter, Victor was a more than solid second-team player, capable and experienced in playing with the first team for extended periods. After Mack's injury, that depth and the security of a proven guy at the No. 2 spot is no longer there.
Day mentioned sophomore receiver Jaylen Harris as someone who could fill that role, calling him a "young guy that's going to have step up."
Harris is a four-star receiver from Cleveland Heights High School who has just four catches for 49 yards in his Ohio State career, but at 6-5, 210, he's big-bodied and well built for X position, which is typically a position that favors more possession receivers.
Outside of Harris, Day also mentioned senior receivers Terry McLaurin or Johnnie Dixon could move into that spot, given their experience and versatility.
One way or another, the Buckeyes will need somebody to step up after Mack's injury, especially if the team continues to rely so heavily on the passing game on the offensive side of the ball.
