Ohio State’s corners face Illinois receiver Collin Dixon on Saturday; he leads the nation with seven touchdown catches in three games. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser’s 74.1% completion rate could make it harder to bracket Dixon on every snap.
Dixon has 25 catches for 367 yards through three games and can work underneath or downfield, make plays after the catch and block on screens and outside runs. He posted career highs of 11 catches, 166 yards and three touchdowns against undefeated Duke in Week 2; last season, he had four catches for 46 yards and a score in Illinois’ 34-16 loss to Ohio State.
Houser has thrown for 758 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in three games and ranks 10th nationally in QBR. Against Texas, Ohio State’s Devin Sanchez made eight tackles, Jermaine Mathews Jr. had five tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, and freshman Jay Timmons forced and recovered a fumble on the opening snap.
