Ohio State Football: Why Jordan Hall's Return Will Spark the Buckeye Offense

Ohio State heads into their showdown at Miami in what some have called the "Ineligi-bowl" in much better shape than their last game against Toledo.

The Buckeyes get three players back who were suspended for taking cash from a booster at a charity event back in February.

Among them is a guy that has been considered to be a catalyst for Ohio State's offense in the multi-dimensional back Jordan Hall.

Hall had a good year as Ohio State's second option out of the backfield and can be a receiving threat as well.

Throughout the spring and fall camps, new WR coach Stan Drayton said Hall reminds him of Percy Harvin in the way he can make people miss in the open field.

Hall might not have Harvin's elite-level speed or strength to match, but his versatility can truly be a huge boost to an offense that lacks established playmakers.

To add to their lack of playmakers, the Buckeyes will be without Philly Brown for at least this week if not more due to an ankle injury suffered in the win over Toledo.

The Buckeyes do have Verlon Reed and Jake Stoneburner, who have been good receiving options this year, and freshman Devin Smith figures to have a significant role in the offense until Brown and DeVier Posey return to action.

Adding Hall back into the mix along with a (hopefully) healthy Jaamal Berry means Ohio State gets their running back stable back to full strength until Dan Herron returns in Week 6.

Plus, the return of Hall adds the speed dimension to the OSU backfield that lacked when Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith, both power backs, were the only ones able to get carries.

In an offense where the QB position is going to be a two-man rotation, there needs to be a go-to safety valve option that can make things happen when plays break down.

And even for Braxton Miller who has amazing mobility, Hall is that type of guy.

Hall will be needed on Saturday and can certainly be a big-time playmaker for Ohio State.

He will certainly open up the playbook for Joe Bauserman and Miller, based on the talk of the offensive coaching staff, they have special plays designed to take advantage of Hall's skillset.

And if Hall is as good as advertised, Ohio State's offense will get a major shot in the arm by having one of its big weapons back in the fold.

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