Jeremiah Smith and his Ohio State Buckeyes are just a couple of games away from winning the national championship for consecutive years. With a 12-1 record this season, the third-best offense on PFSN’s CFB OFFi will look to give it all against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31 in the CFP quarterfinal Cotton Bowl Classic.
Mario Cristobal’s Miami advanced to the stage after coming away with a 10-3 win over Texas A&M in the first round of the playoff.
Jeremiah Smith Unfazed by Cotton Bowl Talk as Ohio State Braces for Physical Miami Battle
Smith wasn’t even born when Ohio State outlasted Miami in a memorable double-overtime thriller to claim the 2002 national championship. The win delivered the Buckeyes their first consensus title since 1968.
However, growing up in Miami Gardens, Smith heard plenty about that game and now has the opportunity to square off against his hometown program. He isn’t even concerned about the possibility of late hits when Ohio State faces Miami.
“I’m not really worried about that because I’m probably the one that’s going to be doing it too,” Smith said on Monday. “I’m going to be a little chippy out there. I’m bringing it all this week.”
This is definitely an optimistic statement from Smith as he strained his rectus femoris during practice ahead of Ohio State’s game against UCLA two weeks earlier. Though he suited up for three drives in the Buckeyes’ 48-10 win over the Bruins on Nov. 15, he exited the game early.
Smith later missed Ohio State’s 42-9 win over Rutgers on Nov. 22 but returned in time for the rivalry showdown against Michigan on Nov. 29, finishing with three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown in a 27-9 win.
Smith is now expected to be fully healthy heading into the Miami game.
“Going into that game (Michigan), no, I was not 100%, I’m going to be completely honest,” Smith told Eleven Warriors. “Still was kind of banged up a little bit. But right now, I’m back healthy, fully healthy, so should be good to go.”
Those who followed Smith’s recruitment closely know Miami remained in the mix until the very end, alongside Ohio State. The former No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2024 ultimately chose the Buckeyes over his in-state option, but he competed with and against several current Hurricanes players during his high school career.
Smith has stayed in touch with people inside the Miami program, and it may add extra emotion to the game.
“I’m very excited to play the guys from back home,” Smith said. “It’s like a second home for me. I’m from there. I had a good relationship with all the coaches (from recruiting), a lot of the players on the team. A lot of people I played with in high school.”
Smith also made it clear he’s motivated to silence the hometown crowd, boldly stating that Ohio State “has something” waiting for Miami on New Year’s Eve. He recorded 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns.
