Ryan Day hints at a surprise X-factor weapon for Ohio State vs Oregon

Ryan Day has opened the door for a potential X-factor player to make an impact for Ohio State against Oregon.

The freshman is Khary Wilder, a pass rusher who generated buzz early in the season with his ability to pressure the quarterback.

Wilder has dealt with injuries since then and hasn't played since the Illinois game at the end of September.

He has appeared in just four games this season and has one tackle.

But Wednesday, Day gave an update that suggests the Buckeyes are considering a change.

"It's good that he's healthy now," Day said.

"Fully healthy. So that is good and we've had conversations about giving him an opportunity to get in there."

Day acknowledged the timing is complicated for a team fighting for its playoff life.

"It is a little more difficult when you find yourself in a situation where we are, not experimenting, but putting him in there for something like this," Day said.

"Every play matters so much right now, and we have to make sure we're doing what's right."

"With that being said, we're certainly looking at opportunities to get him in the game," Day added.

The door is open.

Whether Wilder walks through it against Oregon remains to be seen.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Ohio State's pass rush has been a glaring weakness all season.

The Buckeyes lost leading sack man Caden Curry from last season and have not been able to replace his production off the edge.

Kenyatta Jackson was expected to be that guy for Ohio State's defense this season.

Jackson has just three sacks through eight games, and the defensive line is still searching for its best answers at getting pressure on the quarterback.

Outside of Jackson, nobody on the roster has more than the two sacks linebacker Riley Pettijohn has recorded.

The problem was on full display against USC on the road last week.

The Buckeyes gave up multiple explosive plays in uncharacteristic ways against the Trojans.

The defensive line had no pressure on USC quarterback Jayden Maiava throughout the night.

Maiava was not sacked once.

Ohio State's defensive line has been mediocre this year.

THE USC LOSS AND THE STAKES

Ohio State was handed its second loss of the season as a result of the USC game.

The Buckeyes now head into their matchup with the Oregon Ducks knowing they can't afford another loss if they want to make the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State needed to step up around true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey against USC, and it didn't happen.

The offense outside of the quarterback wasn't good enough.

The defense also turned in one of its worst performances in quite some time.

Now the Buckeyes face Oregon on the road, with the season potentially on the line.

WHAT WILDER BRINGS

Early in the season, Wilder got a lot of attention for getting after the quarterback consistently with pressure.

He wasn't turning that pressure into sacks, but you could see what he brought to the table, and it was exciting to say the least.

Wilder has dealt with some injuries since then.

He hasn't been on the field since the Illinois game at the end of September.

He's played in just four games this season and has one tackle to his name.

Still, it sounds like Ohio State is thinking about giving him another shot.