Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith vows to be ‘a completely different player’ against Oregon in CFP game
Ohio State and Oregon played each other in the regular season, and it was one of the best college football games of the year as the Ducks won the game 32-31.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday in the College Football Playoff. Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith warned the Ducks defense against playing man defense on him. He said if that happens, Will Howard will take a shot and go deep.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith hauls in a catch as the No. 3 Oregon Ducks host No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The freshman standout had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in their first meeting. He vowed to bring a different game to Oregon than the one they saw on October 12.
“They’re going to see a completely different player than last time,” he told reporters before their Rose Bowl game, via ESPN. “Even (receivers coach Brian Hartline) told me the other day that I’m a completely different player from playing against Oregon to now. It started with understanding the game plan and knowing what the defense is trying to do.”
Smith expressed his disappointment in the loss to Michigan in the last game of the season. He suggested a lot was taken out of Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee linebacker Kalib Perry, #8, forces Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, #4, out of bounds during the first half of the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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He had six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns in that game.
“Well, Tennessee, you saw what they tried to do and what happened,” he said. “I just take the gun and put it on them, and I have to keep doing that.”
Smith has already been compared to other great receivers to come out of Ohio State in recent years and was selected for top honors such as Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Second-Team All-America.
However, he tries to look at things in a positive light.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, #4, catches a touchdown pass against Tennessee defensive back Rickey Gibson, #1, during the first half in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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“That’s a blessing, but I won’t let that statement go to my head,” she said. “I know I still have two, three years left here to improve and get better.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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