Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith is looking to torch Illinois DB after dust-up last year

Last season, the Ohio State Buckeyes dominated the Fighting Illini on the road. They won that game 34-16, a game that wasn't really close, despite what the score indicated. It was also a game in which Jeremiah Smith showed off his greatness, as he did many times last year.

In that game, he had only five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. However, it was the touchdown catch that got the most attention. He did that right after he got in a dust-up with Illinois DB Juice Clarke, which resulted in Smith getting a personal foul. Now, he's looking for further humiliation.

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith wants to crush Juice Clarke

During that incident, Smith and Clarke grabbed each other's facemasks during a run play. Smith swung him down, causing a flag to be thrown. Shortly after that, Smith burned him on a smooth route for his goal-line touchdown reception.

Smith clearly took it personally that Clarke was messing with him and made him look like a fool. Even at that point, Smith was the best player in college football. He easily glided by Clarke on that route for a touchdown. Things could get even uglier on Saturday afternoon.

Ohio State still hasn't established another second receiver who can truly help the team stretch the field. Right now, Smith is the only one who can be relied on to catch the football. That means that he could torch Clarke even more than he did last year. In fact, that's what fans would want him to do.

Smith is a prideful guy, and he likely remembers this interaction. He wants to make sure that Clarke never does something like this to him again, so he might try to put 150 yards and two touchdowns on his head. Julian Sayin might make it a point to make that happen, too.

Ohio State shouldn't try to constantly hit the Jeremiah Smith button

When things slow down offensively, the Buckeyes have the tendency to try to force the ball to Smith. He is great enough that he can make most of the contested catches he sees, but this team still needs to have other guys who can step up and help him out.

Last week against Kent State, Brandon Inniss was the other receiver who stepped up. He finished with four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown he caught on a Hail Mary. Was that a fluke? Or will Inniss actually step up and produce in a consistent way that can be counted on?

Figuring out that second receiver could help Ohio State's horrendous third-down problem. They have converted just 12/33 on third down so far. That is something that has to be fixed immediately. The Ohio State Buckeyes have to figure out the running game, as well.

I fully expect Smith to dominate this game. He likely won't play much in the fourth quarter, especially if the game ends up being a blowout. Clarke could be in for a long game, and he better not agitate Smith further if he wants to keep himself from experiencing further embarrassment.

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