Ohio State Football: 5 reasons why the Buckeyes will struggle in 2017

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes takes the field during the second half against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Returning production at receiver will cost them

Starting wide receivers Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin combined for less than 300 receiving yards in 2016. Senior tight end Marcus Baugh is the leading returning receiver but still did not have more than 300 receiving yards last year either.

Sophomore Binjimen Victor could be a breakout star but he has around 100 career receiving yards and is anything but a proven option. He’ll need to step up in the absence of former star wide out Noah Brown, who departed early for the NFL Draft.

The loss of Brown is the biggest departure at receiver for the Buckeyes. Brown declaring for the NFL Draft early means the loss of Ohio State’s leading receiver and seven touchdowns catches to replace.

Another departure that could hurt Ohio State in the passing game is H-back Curtis Samuel. He, like Brown, left early for the NFL Draft.

K.J. Hill is another name to watch out for at receiver. If Victor, McLaurin, or Campbell, does not perform as expected in 2017 then Hill could jump into a starting position quickly.

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