Jeremiah Smith’s five-word message makes Ohio State’s scary opener even better
· Yahoo Sports
Jeremiah Smith’s five-word message makes Ohio State’s scary opener even better originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jeremiah Smith needed only one half to remind the rest of college football why Ohio State enters the season with championship expectations.
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He then delivered a five-word message that might have impressed Buckeyes coach Ryan Day just as much as anything Smith did on the field.
“Let young guys play.”
Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out the second half of Ohio State’s 56-3 victory over Ball State on Saturday. The junior receiver opened his season with a spectacular 48-yard touchdown, securing the ball against his helmet before completing the catch with one hand. His second score came on a three-yard reception near the back of the end zone.
By halftime, Smith had already done more than enough.
Ohio State finished with 671 yards of total offense, including 434 through the air. Julian Sayin passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns while adding the first rushing score of his college career. Day could have allowed Smith to chase a much larger stat line against an overmatched opponent. Instead, Ohio State protected its biggest star with a much more difficult assignment waiting next week.
Smith embraced the decision. Day revealed after the game that Smith encouraged the coaching staff to give Ohio State’s younger players an opportunity, according to the school’s official recap.
Jeremiah Smith turns attention toward Texas
Smith’s willingness to step aside mattered because Ohio State will visit No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
“He understands we have a monster game next week,” Day said.
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The Buckeyes will need Smith at full strength in Austin. Ball State could not consistently challenge Ohio State’s passing game, but Texas will have the talent to create pressure on Sayin and force tighter throws. Smith remains Ohio State’s greatest answer to those problems.
His combination of size, body control and explosiveness can erase good coverage. Even when a defensive back is in the correct position, Smith can transform a contested pass into a defining play.
Ohio State also found encouraging production elsewhere Saturday. Devin McCuin caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, while Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson each rushed for 83 yards and a score.
The Buckeyes held Ball State to 165 total yards and produced touchdowns in every quarter. It was the type of complete performance expected from the nation’s top-ranked team. Smith’s response to being removed, however, offered something the box score could not.
The country already knows Smith is one of college football’s most gifted players. His five-word reaction showed why Ohio State trusts him as one of its most important leaders, too.
After week one, Smith’s numbers were frightening, but his unselfish response may say even more about Ohio State’s championship potential.
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