It isn't hard to see that Ohio State's offense needs a spark outside of Jordan Hall going into their Saturday matchup against Michigan State.
With Jaamal Berry out of action for the time being due to "health issues", the team needs some help to jumpstart a unit that has been underwhelming for most of the season.
Braxton Miller hopefully will be better this season after getting the nerves out of the way from his first start against Colorado.
Corey Brown's status for Saturday is still unknown, but he likely may miss another week recovering from an ankle sprain.
With all of that in place, the Buckeyes will be looking for a spark.
That spark may come in the form of another true freshman: WR Devin Smith from Massillon, the same school that produced Chris Spielman almost 30 years ago.
Smith is the team's leader in receiving yards with 183 in just eight receptions, three of them for touchdowns, and he has speed that should remind fans of Santonio Holmes.
In a year where one freshman wideout, Clemson's Sammy Watkins, has captured the attention of offensive-happy fans, Smith is another guy people should keep one eye on.
Smith and Miller seem to have a natural chemistry from the get-go and could emerge as the go-to guy in the absence of Brown and DeVier Posey, who will serve the final game of his five-game suspension against the Spartans.
But what this young man brings to the table is a pair of hands that Miller trusts, and that may be the most important thing for a young QB.
Look for Ohio State's offense to try to get the Miller-to-Smith connection going in the passing game early on.
Defenses have keyed on TE Jake Stoneburner lately to force the ball to Ohio State's weakened wideout corps in the passing game, however many few times OSU throws the ball.
Saturday could be the coming out party for Devin Smith if Michigan State is able to contain Miller's running and Hall's explosive plays.
If he is, then the Ohio State passing game could suddenly be much more dangerous with the return of Posey and a healthy Corey Brown. But all of that is dependent on Miller's arm.
But the potential is there. And in a season where a seventh-straight Big Ten title is unlikely or forbidden depending on NCAA rulings, potential is what Ohio State needs to focus on right now.
Follow me on Twitter @bielik_tim for more college football updates.
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