“Lil Curt,” wrote wide receiver Johnnie Dixon in response.
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Campbell's score was one of three by an Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver in an eight-minute span. The unproven group stepped up at the right moment to turn a close game into a 49-21 blowout in Bloomington, Ind.
Now the No. 2 Buckeyes turn their attention to No. 5 Oklahoma, which visits Ohio Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Noah Brown caught four touchdown passes against the Sooners last season in a 45-24 victory. Only two receivers who caught passes in that game remain on the roster: Campbell and Terry McLaurin, who each had one catch.
Ten players caught passes for Ohio State in the opener. The Buckeyes expect similar balance all season. The wide receivers under-performed last season and heard the criticism.
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“We took a lot of that as a challenge,” Dixon said Wednesday. “A lot of people attacked us and said we don’t get open. We’re just trying to get better at everything and be a unit.”
Campbell’s 74-yard touchdown catch came one play after Indiana took a 21-20 lead. He turned a short pass into a big play thanks to a help from wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who blocked cornerback Rashard Fant on the sideline.
“After every catch, I’m always anticipating scoring, no matter where it is, particularly on that play,” Campbell said. “You see Terry McLaurin, who is an elite guy, a person I can always count on, had the corner sealed off. After that, I saw green grass.”
Dixon’s 59-yard touchdown came on Ohio State’s next drive. He had help from a fellow wide receiver on his score, too. Dixon caught a pass in the center of the field and then turned toward the end zone. Binjimen Victor blocked cornerback Andre Brown, and Dixon broke loose.
“The crossing route messed them up,” Dixon said. “I saw the safety fall off. They ran with Parris because he was flying across the field, and he had scored the drive before. I knew I could sit down right there (in the middle). Once I turned up the field, Binji gave me his butt to run off. From there, it was amazing.”
Victor sealed the victory on the following drive, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass from Barrett in the end zone. It was Victor’s only catch. Austin Mack, another wideout expected to play a big part in the passing game, also was limited to one catch.
Campbell led the group with six catches for 136 yards. Dixon, McLaurin and K.J. Hill each had two receptions. Tight end Marcus Baugh and running back J.K. Dobbins also had two catches.
Ohio State’s depth chart continues to list six starters at hybrid back and wide receiver. Hill and Campbell started the opener at H-back, with Mack and McLaurin at wide receiver. Dixon and Victor came off the bench.
It should be a similar situation Saturday. The Buckeyes face an Oklahoma defense that allowed 94 passing yards in its opener, a 56-7 victory over UTEP.
“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” Dixon said. “I’m just very excited. The atmosphere is going to be crazy. We have the best fans in the land. We’re ready to put on a performance.”
SATURDAY’S GAME
Oklahoma at Ohio State, 7:30 p.m., ABC, 1410
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