Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith’s Quote on Oregon’s Defense Recirculates After…read more
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had a warning for Oregon’s defense before the teams squared off in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes delivered a convincing 41-21 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower. Quarterback Will Howard connected with Smith for a stellar performance, accumulating 187 yards and two touchdowns, setting a single-game record for a freshman receiver at Ohio State.
Before the game, Smith made it clear how the Ducks should approach their defensive strategy, particularly when facing Ohio State’s high-powered receiving corps. He expressed confidence that Oregon would regret choosing to play man-to-man coverage against him. “I’m just laughing in my head. Why are y’all really playing man-on-man against us, or against me, I should say?” Smith had said in a pregame interview. He further explained that whenever Oregon opted for man coverage, Ohio State would seize the opportunity for big plays down the field. “So I’m just letting everybody know right now that if you play man Wednesday, we’re taking a shot,” Smith warned.
Ohio State’s wide receiver room has consistently been one of the most talented in the country, and this season was no exception. Alongside Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate are key contributors to a potent receiving group. However, it was Smith who stole the show in the Rose Bowl, helping his team bounce back from a loss to Oregon earlier in the season. His standout performance in the game came as a major factor in the Buckeyes’ resounding win.
The victory not only boosted Ohio State’s confidence but also set up an exciting challenge in the upcoming College Football Playoff semifinal. The Buckeyes will face Texas, the No. 5 seed, in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, aiming to continue their march toward a national championship. Smith’s performance in the Rose Bowl is a reminder of the immense talent Ohio State possesses on offense, particularly at the wide receiver position. With the Buckeyes’ dynamic playmakers, they’ll be a formidable opponent for Texas in the next round.
