2. Rutgers wide receiver Janarion Grant gives the Buckeyes a game
After sitting out last week’s 27-to-17 loss to Nebraska with a head injury, Rutgers’ star playmaking wide receiver Janarion Grant will rebound in a big way against Ohio State.
Even though Ohio State’s new look secondary hasn’t exactly lived up to the expectations many outside observes set for them prior to the season, they have been fairly effective against opposing wide receivers. Only one opposing pass catcher has recorded more than 100 yards against the Buckeyes defense. Only four having recorded double-digit catches over the first four weeks of the season.
And while the Rutgers offense, led by Louisville graduate transfer quarterback Kyle Bolin and Miami Hurricanes transfer running back Gus Edwards, has improved in 2017, they have been far from prolific. Only Grant has shown an ability to step up as a difference-making spark-plug from the both the wide receiver and as a kick returner position.
Over his half-decade, injury prone career in New Brunswick, Grant has amassed a relatively unimpressive 1.005 receiving yards through the air, as well as an actually impressive 2,697 yards as a kick returner for the Scarlet Knights. He is their dynamic playmaking threat whenever the ball is in his hands.
Since the Buckeyes’ front seven will be applying a near constant pressure on Rutgers’ offensive line for much of their Week 5 game, Kill and company will look to get the ball in Grants hands early and often, whether on wide receiver screens, jet sweeps or traditional routes.
Even though he is far from a household name, Janarion Grant could have the biggest game of any wide receiver so far this season against the Ohio State Buckeyes inexperienced secondary.