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College Football 2017: One x-factor for each Big Ten team

By Brad Berreman

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: A BIG10 helmet sits on the table during the press conference on December 31, 2016 at the AT
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: A BIG10 helmet sits on the table during the press conference on December 31, 2016 at the AT /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark Goldman-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Mark Goldman-Getty Images /

Ohio State Buckeyes: RB Demario McCall

Quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Mike Weber are the headliners for Oho State’s offense, and the Buckeyes will go as far as Barrett takes them in his senior season.

But the all-around production of Curtis Samuel will be sorely missed, as he had over 1,600 yards from scrimmage (865 receiving, 771 rushing) and 15 total touchdowns (eight rushing, seven receiving) on 171 touches (74 receptions) in 2016. That was enough for him to go pro, and to convince the Carolina Panthers to take him in the second round of this year’s draft.

McCall had a limited role as a freshman last year, with 49 carries (for 270 yards) and four catches (for 84 yards). But he also only played in five games, and scored a touchdown four times (three rushing, one receiving).

McCall is stepping into the hybrid role vacated by Samuel, with everything that could bring. His average of 10.6 carries and catches per game he played last season is surely in line to rise, particularly in the passing game.

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Barrett, Weber and McCall could be one of the most productive offensive trios in the country this year. McCall is of course the least proven of the three, so his performance is the x-factor.

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