Ohio State RB/WR Jalin Marshall started his college career with incredibly high expectations.
He was the top recruit from the state of Ohio two years ago and chose to stay in-state by committing to the Buckeyes. After redshirting last season, he was expected to be one of Ohio State's biggest playmakers this season, but found himself buried down the depth chart.
Marshall finally got his chance against Minnesota last weekend filling in for Dontre Wilson, and caught five passes for 95 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown.
However, he muffed two punts and fumbled once more in the red zone. Ohio State fans were so mad that Martin received numerous profane tweets about how poorly he played.
Buckeyes fans were singing a different tune on Saturday.
Ohio State found themselves trailing Indiana 20-14 late in the third quarter, and a loss would kill any hope of making the College Football Playoff.
Marshall stepped up and returned a punt 54 yards a touchdown, giving Ohio State the lead. He then capped off a long drive at the start of the 4th quarter to give the Buckeyes more breathing room, and followed that up with touchdown catches of 15 and 51 yards on back-to-back offensive plays later in the quarter.
When it was over, Ohio State had turned a close game into a 42-27 win thanks the Marshall's four second half touchdowns.
"It's very satisfying but I'm not satisfied with the season yet," he said about his performance. "But it does feel good to kind of get that bear off my back -- all that negative stuff -- toward me."
"If it's an effort problem, Jalin Marshall won't play. And it's not an effort issue with him," head coach Urban Meyer said. "He's a talented guy. That was good for his confidence."
Marshall figures to have a big role in Ohio State's offense going forward as he will try to build on his breakout performance.
The Buckeyes' clinched a berth in the Big Ten title game with the victory, and will face rival Michigan next weekend.
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