CFB Insider Applauds Ryan Day for Turning Jeremiah Smith’s Flaws into Strengths and Records

Jeremiah Smith’s Performance in the Cotton Bowl

The Cotton Bowl semifinal between Ohio State and Texas on Friday night was a rollercoaster of emotions, one that saw the Buckeyes come out victorious despite a lackluster performance from their star freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith.¹

While Smith had been a standout player in previous games, particularly his awe-inspiring seven-catch, 187-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Rose Bowl, he was far less of a factor in this contest.

A solitary catch for just 3 yards in the 41-31 win over Texas was a surprising twist, especially given the high expectations surrounding him.

J.D. PicKell of On3, a prominent sports commentator, captured the sentiment perfectly with his reaction on YouTube. “Jeremiah Smith, one catch, 3 yards,” he said, pausing for dramatic effect before adding, “Nothing’s wrong with your YouTube video right now.”

The observation was not just about Smith’s numbers, but about the team’s ability to win despite their young star’s quiet night. It was a testament to Ohio State’s depth and ability to adapt when one of their key players is neutralized.

Crazy🤣 https://t.co/SuFmmVV60j

— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) January 11, 2025

Ohio State’s Resilience: Overcoming Imperfections

What made Ohio State’s win so significant was not just the scoreline, but the manner in which they achieved it.

Texas, a formidable opponent, pushed the Buckeyes to their limits, and yet Ohio State was able to emerge with a win, albeit in a less-than-perfect fashion.

PicKell emphasized that the game was “a little bit clunky and ugly and unorthodox,” acknowledging that it wasn’t Ohio State’s best performance.

But the fact that they managed to secure a 28-14 victory over a strong Texas team showed their resilience and ability to fight through adversity.

One of the key takeaways from this game was Ohio State’s ability to win despite not being at their best. As PicKell noted, “For them to be able to overcome all of those imperfections and still win this football game — in a close fashion — that makes Ohio State extremely dangerous.”

In the face of adversity, the Buckeyes showed grit and determination, qualities that could serve them well in future challenges.

Jeremiah Smith: The Significance of Ohio State’s Past Losses

PicKell also highlighted an important aspect of Ohio State’s season: their losses to Oregon and Michigan earlier in the year.²

While these defeats were painful, they ultimately helped the team grow stronger and more resilient. The Buckeyes had already experienced setbacks and had to learn how to bounce back from them. This experience was crucial in their victory over Texas.

“There’s a part of this that was a little bit clunky and ugly and unorthodox,” PicKell said. “You kind of had to will your way through this one.”

The Buckeyes’ earlier losses taught them how to handle tough situations, and they were able to apply those lessons in the Cotton Bowl. The ability to win despite imperfections speaks volumes about their character and mental toughness.

What This Win Means for Ohio State Moving Forward

This victory over Texas is a statement win for Ohio State, one that reinforces their status as a championship contender.

While many expected them to dominate the game with Smith playing a pivotal role, the fact that they were able to win despite his relatively quiet performance makes them an even more dangerous team. They proved that they can win in different ways and that their success does not rely solely on one player.

Ohio State’s ability to adapt and find success even when things aren’t going according to plan is what sets them apart from other teams.

The victory against Texas is a reminder that championships are often won not by the team that plays the most flawless game, but by the team that can overcome adversity and stay composed under pressure.

Jeremiah Smith: Who Is He?

A Star Still on the Rise

While Smith may not have had a standout game in the Cotton Bowl, it’s important to remember that he is still a freshman and one of the most promising young talents in college football.³

His earlier performances this season, particularly in the Rose Bowl, showcased his immense potential. A single off-game does not define a player’s career, and Smith has the talent to bounce back stronger than ever.

The game against Texas will undoubtedly be a learning experience for Smith. He will take away valuable lessons about handling tough competition and the importance of staying focused even when things aren’t going his way.

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day, will no doubt continue to refine Smith’s game, and he will only continue to improve as the season progresses.

The Role of Ohio State’s Depth in Their Success

While Jeremiah Smith’s performance was below expectations in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State’s victory can also be attributed to their depth as a team.

The Buckeyes have a wealth of talent across the roster, and in this game, it was players like quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson who stepped up to lead the team to victory.

McCord, in particular, was impressive in managing the game and keeping the offense moving even when their star receiver wasn’t making a major impact. Henderson’s ability to break off big runs and control the tempo of the game also played a crucial role in Ohio State’s success.

This depth is what makes Ohio State such a dangerous team moving forward — they are not reliant on any single player to carry the load.

A Glimpse of Ohio State’s Championship Potential

As Ohio State moves forward in the College Football Playoff, this victory over Texas will serve as a reminder of their championship potential. They have the talent, the resilience, and the depth to go all the way.

The fact that they won this game despite not playing their best shows that they can win in a variety of ways. They have the ability to overcome obstacles, make adjustments on the fly, and find ways to get the job done — all characteristics of a championship-caliber team.

The road ahead will not be easy, but Ohio State has already shown that they are capable of handling tough challenges.

If they can continue to play with the same level of resilience and adaptability that they demonstrated in the Cotton Bowl, they will be a formidable force in the remainder of the College Football Playoff.

The Future of Ohio State Football

Looking ahead, the future of Ohio State football looks incredibly bright. With young stars like Jeremiah Smith, along with a well-coached and talented roster, the Buckeyes have the potential to compete for national championships for years to come.

While their win over Texas was important in the short term, it is also a building block for future success.

Ohio State has consistently been one of the top programs in college football, and with their ability to develop players and adapt to different situations, they are well-positioned to remain a powerhouse for the foreseeable future.

The Cotton Bowl victory over Texas may just be the beginning of another championship run for the Buckeyes.

Jeremiah Smith: Battle of Resilience and Challenges

In what many expected to be a clash of titans, Ohio State faced a significant test against the University of Texas in a game that put their championship aspirations to the ultimate challenge.

Early in the game, Ohio State’s offense seemed poised to continue their dominant run, making it appear as though another high-powered performance was on the horizon.

However, as the game wore on, the Buckeyes faced hurdles that would eventually define the outcome of the contest.

A series of self-inflicted mistakes, strategic adjustments by Texas, and an inability to capitalize on crucial moments meant that the game would be more difficult than anticipated.

A Confident Start: Ohio State’s Early Momentum

Ohio State began the game with the kind of confidence that had made them a favorite in many circles.

On their opening drive, the Buckeyes moved the ball effectively, covering 64 yards in just 10 plays, demonstrating both precision and power.

The drive culminated in a 9-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins, giving Ohio State an early lead and signaling to the fans and analysts alike that the Buckeyes were still very much in championship form.

For a moment, everything felt familiar. From the smooth execution of plays to the seamless running attack, it seemed as though the Buckeyes were poised to replicate their previous playoff performances.

Analysts and fans were quick to draw comparisons to the high-level play they had witnessed from Ohio State in past seasons, believing that this game would follow a similar script of dominance.

Jeremiah Smith: Struggling to Find Consistency

However, as the game progressed, Ohio State’s performance began to unravel in ways that were unexpected.

While their opening drive was a showcase of their offensive capabilities, they soon found themselves struggling to find the same rhythm that had fueled their early success.

The precision that had marked their first possession seemed to vanish, replaced by a series of mistakes and missed opportunities.

According to college football analyst Barrett PicKell, there was a sense of déjà vu surrounding the situation. “You’re kinda like, ‘OK, this feels very familiar. This feels very, very reminiscent of the other two playoff games we’ve seen from this Buckeye outfit,’” PicKell commented.

“And, from there, man, they just struggled to totally put it into gear.” These struggles were not the result of Texas’s defense alone; many of Ohio State’s issues were self-inflicted.

Jeremiah Smith: Records

Jeremiah Smith become the most receiving touchdowns, receptions and reception yards as freshman in school history.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ohio State Football (@ohiostatefb)

The Penalties Pile Up: Ohio State’s Self-Inflicted Wounds

• One of the most glaring issues that hampered Ohio State was their inability to avoid penalties.
• Over the course of the game, the Buckeyes were flagged nine times for a total of 75 yards.
• These penalties disrupted their offensive flow and often came at inopportune moments, stalling drives and preventing them from capitalizing on critical opportunities.
• Perhaps the most notable penalty came in the second quarter when TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes’ star running back, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct following a potentially promising play.
• At that moment, Ohio State had been moving the ball effectively and seemed on the verge of adding another score.
• Instead, Henderson’s infraction pushed the Buckeyes backward, forcing them into a difficult situation that ultimately resulted in a punt.
• The inability to keep penalties in check was a consistent theme throughout the game and highlighted an area where Ohio State would need to improve if they hoped to reach their full potential in future contests.