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Published on November 10, 2024
Jeremiah Smith Shatters Records as Ohio State Decimates Purdue 45-0 in College Football ShowdownSource: Ruralexpat, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another weekend of college football has come and gone, and at the center of the conversation is Ohio State's fresh-faced wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith. In a display that broke more than just defensive lines, Smith shattered two Ohio State program records as the Buckeyes steamrolled Purdue in a shutout victory of 45-0 yesterday under the lights of forthcoming legends and the scrutiny of statisticians alike. Smith's performance accrued six receptions for 87 yards, according to NBC4i.

Amidst cheers and the audible cracking of records, Smith's 17-yard touchdown in the second quarter bolstered the Buckeyes' lead and etched his name above the legendary Cris Carter's. Now, the elusive freshman boasts the most touchdowns by an Ohio State freshman—a record previously unchallenged since 1984. “I feel like I’ve progressed week in and week out,” Smith told AP News, shedding light on his meteoric rise this season.

While Smith scurried into the history books, his teammate Quarterback Will Howard was equally instrumental to the Buckeyes' dominant performance. Completing 21 of 26 passes for a crisp 260 yards and three passing touchdowns, Howard also contributed with his legs, rushing into the endzone for a score. Credit where it's due, Ohio State's offense was a well-oiled machine that refused to stutter against Purdue, as detailed by a report from FOX28.

Not to be overshadowed, the Ohio State defense played a relentless game, translating Purdue's missteps into Buckeye triumphs. J.T. Tuimoloau's forced fumble turned into Jack Sawyer's gala touchdown through a recovery that Sawyer described with zeal. “There’s no chance in hell I was diving on that ball. I was trying to scoop and score no matter what,” Sawyer said in a statement obtained by AP News.

Following the whirlwind of records and triumphs, Ohio State (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) is now looking ahead to their next challenge, with a matchup against Northwestern at the historic Wrigley Field looming. As Ohio State continues to carve its path through the Big Ten, and perhaps toward the College Football Playoff, Purdue continues grappling with a season that's been anything but kind, as they record their eighth consecutive loss. Each team, driven by distinct aspirations or the all-too-biting taste of reality, will trudge onward—seeking victory, vindication, or simply the end of a trying season.