The Ohio State football team was frustrated after losing their first game of the season against Oregon. It was a one-point loss on the road in a game they had a chance to win. Everyone on the team wanted another shot at the Ducks, so they were happy to get them in the Rose Bowl.
Prior to the Rose Bowl, the Ducks were the only undefeated team left in the game. Jeremiah Smith let everyone know before the game that Oregon better not cover him one-on-one. In the first matchup between the two teams, he had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Smith was clearly a focal point for the Buckeyes in the first-round game against Tennessee. He was the best player on the field, catching six passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He let the Ducks know what he was going to do against them, and they still couldn't stop him.
Ohio State football player Jeremiah Smith has a massive first half vs. Oregon
Smith absolutely torched the Ducks in the first half. He had five catches for 161 yards in two touchdowns. The Buckeyes could do pretty much whatever they wanted on offense. He was unstoppable on the field and was a big reason why the Ohio State Buckeyes had a massive first-half lead.
When it was all said and done, the Buckeyes had a 34-8 lead. It was by far the best half of football the Ohio State football team has played all year long. Even in a Buckeye fan's wildest dreams, they didn't think a game like this was possible for them.
Smith showed that he could back up his smack talk. He also showed that he might be the best player in all of college football. The fact that he was snubbed from the Freshman of the Year is beyond me. There's a case he is the best OSU receiver they've had in the last decade already.
The Buckeyes showed how scary of a team they are.