Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith moved to second on the program’s single-season receiving touchdowns list after the freshman scored in the National Football Playoff Championship University against Notre Dame. The touchdown was Smith’s 15th of the season as he continues to dazzle in his first season of college football.
Smith’s 15th touchdown move moved him past former Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr., who had 14 touchdowns in consecutive seasons. He trails only Terry Glenn, who won the Biletnikoff Award for the Buckeyes in 1995. Smith’s wife had 15 touchdowns, which is the most touchdowns by a true freshman since at least 1960 .
The Buckeyes were driving in the red zone early in the second quarter when offensive coordinator Chip Kelly dialed up a nifty move fake. A Notre Dame defensive back was seen trying to point out the mismatch, but the Fighting Irish failed to recover as Smith broke free in that flat and entered the end zone untouched.
The Ohio State sensation became arguably the best receiver in college football as a true freshman. The South Florida native entered the game with 71 catches for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was outstanding in the College Football Playoff, posting 290 yards and four touchdowns in just the first two rounds as the Buckeyes went from the eighth seed to the national title game.