The Ohio State football team took on one of the toughest road tests it will have this season, playing the Fighting Illini on the road. It was only their second road game of the season after taking down Washington on the road a couple of weeks ago.
Ohio State was able to win the game 34-16 in a game that was never close. It was a game that saw the Buckeyes dominate the line of scrimmage and have Jeremiah Smith moved all over the field. Minnesota had issues covering Smith last week, and Illinois had the same troubles.
Smith did scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He did so after he and a cornerback were tangled up on a play that resulted in both players being flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Smith stared him down right after the score.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith stares down Illini corner after touchdown grab
Smith scored a two-yard touchdown on a great route, leaving Jaheim Clark in the dust. After he scored, he stared back at him before celebrating with his teammates. Take a look at the score below.
It was only a matter of time until Jeremiah Smith scored 😤@OhioStateFB is running away with it in Champaign pic.twitter.com/XIq9RHB6A5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Smith finished with five catches for 42 yards and that score. While he didn't have the biggest statistical game, he was able to move the defense enough to open up other players to get passes. He continues to be the best player in college football, even when he's not getting the ball.
Clarke probably wished he hadn't talked smack against Smith. Had he not done that, perhaps he wouldn't have been so intent on clowning him in the end zone. Instead, it's a lesson that he has now learned for future games against other teams they will play.
Clarke won't be covering a better receiver than Jeremiah Smith this year. He'll have a better chance against other receivers in the Big Ten.