Ohio State Football: The 3 players you need to know vs. Minnesota

Ohio State will likely use quick passes which could benefit one of the best players at gaining yards after the catch

Most people know about the two-headed monster that is the Ohio State wide receivers. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are the two best wide receivers in college football and will put up plenty of highlight-worthy moments. But, the wide receiver for Ohio State that might have the biggest game against Minnesota is Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Best known for his incredible touchdown grab (the only touchdown catch of his freshman year) Smith-Njigba is often overshadowed by the other two. What will help Smith-Njigba in this game is the style of offense the Buckeyes might use.

With C.J. Stroud going into his first game, Ryan Day may elect to use a more conservative approach to the offense. Relying more on screens and short routes can build confidence without putting Stroud in a position to make major mistakes. Smith-Njigba will change the game in this regard for two reasons.

First, he will play the majority of his time in the slot and will be the perfect target for quick slants up the middle. Smith-Njigba will then be able to make a man miss and start running. The other thing he will do for Olave and Wilson is set blocks.

If either of the two primary wide receivers catches a screen, Smith-Njigba will have the chance to lockdown a block to help break the ball carrier loose. It is not the same kind of highlight real material that Olave and Wilson will produce, but it will be just as valuable at helping the Buckeyes cruise to victory.