Five Ohio State players to watch

Sep 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas heads toward the goal line for a first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Michael Thomas

Ohio State has a versatile offense, but has struggled to put the ball in the end zone at times. After a strong sophomore campaign in which he hauled in 54 passes, Michael Thomas has become the top option for quarterback Cardale Jones. The Los Angeles native has recorded 20 receptions for 292 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Thomas has been on the receiving end of four of Jones’ five touchdown passes. Thomas has caught a touchdown pass in every game this season, aside from Ohio State’s 38-0 win over Hawaii. His best outing came against Western Michigan when he caught six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Thomas is a playmaker for the Buckeyes that Jones relies on in order to make the offense churn. Thomas is the type of wideout that can make just about any catch that comes his way. He is also very elusive in the open field, and has phenomenal yards-after-catch ability. Thomas can catch any ball in stride and take it the distance with any hesitation. Maryland’s secondary has had an up-and-down season, but they’re going to need to know where Thomas is lined up on every play. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Will Likely draws the assignments of trying to slow down Thomas. The two lined up against each other quite a bit last season when the two teams did battle in College Park.