Ohio State coughed up a crushing 20-3 lead against Texas this past Saturday, falling 24-23 after a brutal 21-point fourth quarter collapse. What makes that sting even more? Star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was absolutely torching the Longhorns for 164 yards on eight catches by midway through the third quarter, literally disappeared from the stat sheet after that point. The man was making his early-season Heisman case, then went silent.
The Buckeye Offense Runs Through Smith, For Better Or Worse
Smith started the game on fire, no doubt. Texas had shut him down twice before, limiting him to a combined seven catches for 46 yards in those previous matchups. But early on Saturday, he looked like a different dude. His father, Chris Smith, even texted, “God is good,” after his son snagged a crucial 43-yard pass in traffic to convert a third-and-10. That huge play bumped his total to 164 yards, more than triple his output from those prior two Texas games. Brian Hartline, his former receivers coach at Ohio State, was watching and just texted, “That’s what he does. Looks bigger and faster.” But here’s the kicker: that 43-yard grab was Smith’s last catch of the entire night. The offense went quiet, managing just three points in the second half. This reliance on Smith cuts both ways, big time. It’s deadly when it works, but when it doesn’t, the whole thing grinds to a halt.
Sayin Struggled, And The Supporting Cast Was Missing In Action
The issue wasn’t just Smith’s late-game disappearing act. Quarterback Julian Sayin had a solid first half, completing 12 of 16 passes for 192 yards. But after halftime? Rough. He went 5 of 16 for 86 yards and threw an interception. And where was the help? The rest of Ohio State’s wide receivers combined for a measly two catches and 24 yards. Coach Ryan Day didn’t pull any punches, saying Tuesday, “when you go 2 for 12 in the second half throwing the football, there’s not a rhythm in the pass game.” Smith’s workload has ramped up, too. Pro Football Focus data shows he is targeted on 42% of his routes, up from 29% last season, and his average target travels nearly five yards deeper downfield at 16.1 yards. Yet, his catch rate has fallen from 82% to 64%. He drew 16 of the Buckeyes’ 30 targets on Saturday, meaning almost no one else was getting looks or making plays. Last season, Carnell Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, providing that critical second option. They desperately need someone like that to emerge right now.
Ohio State now has four weeks to figure out how to get Smith some legitimate help before they face Indiana. If they want any shot at returning to the College Football Playoff, finding a reliable second option, someone who can actually “stand tall alongside Smith,” is absolutely critical. Can they find that missing piece in a month? We’ll be watching to see if this offense can find its rhythm again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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