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Indiana Football vs Ohio State: Breaking down skill position matchups

By Alec Lasley

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 6: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes attempts to break a tackle by Allen Stallings IV #99 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 6: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes attempts to break a tackle by Allen Stallings IV #99 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Whop Philyor #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers signals for a first down in the first half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Whop Philyor #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers signals for a first down in the first half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers:

What a fun day it will be to watch the wideouts make big play after big play, as both groups are extremely talented.

The Buckeyes bring back Binjimen Victor and K.J. Hill, both of whom were big parts of the high-powered offensive attack last year.

Victor is the deep threat for the Buckeyes this season as he is averaging nearly 20 yards per catch with 134 yards on the season. At 6-foot-4, he is a big wideout who will likely be matched up with either Raheem Layne or Jaylin Williams, both just 6-feet. Last year he finished with two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown against the Hoosiers.

The big name, K.J. Hill, has taken more of the role of the possession receiver. After averaging 12.3 yards per catch in his first three seasons, Hill is down to just 7.1 yards through two games in 2019. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Buckeyes try to get Hill involved early and often on quick hitters.

Chris Olave is the third name of the trio that leads the Buckeyes, and has 60 yards in both of the first two weeks.

For the Hoosiers, it is the most talented wide receiving core, now fully healthy, they have had in years, and it has shown.

The core four of Donavan Hale, Nick Westbrook, Ty Fryfogle, and Whop Philyor all average 35 yards plus per game this season, with three of the four collecting at least six receptions.

Whop Philyor has had a terrific first two games, leading the Hoosiers in catches (10) and yards (141) with Donavan Hale right behind him with 126 yards this season. Nick Westbrook, the leading receiver in 2018, has only caught three balls so far this year, but could be in store for a bounce back game this Saturday after going catchless against Eastern Illinois.

Miles Marshall is also a name to keep an eye on after catching his first career touchdown in week two.

It will be a great matchup with four IU wideouts measuring 6-foot-3 or taller with four of Ohio State’s cornerbacks standing at least 6-feet.

Position Advantage: Indiana

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