Jeremiah Smith Breaks Freshman Records at Ohio State
- Ohio State's defense dominated Purdue, producing a 45-0 shutout and getting contributions from multiple players.
- Jeremiah Smith set new freshman records for receptions and touchdowns, leading the offense.
- Ohio State's victory demonstrates their ability to experiment with new defensive strategies while maintaining strong performance.
On November 9, 2024, Ohio State decisively defeated Purdue 45-0, showcasing a dominant performance from both the offense and defense. With this victory, Ohio State's defense recorded its second shutout of the season, aided by a fumble return touchdown from Jack Sawyer and a blocked punt by Caden Curry. Ohio State's offense effectively overpowered Purdue’s struggling defense, which had been allowing an average of 203 rushing yards per game. Jeremiah Smith emerged as a standout player, finishing the game with six receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown, bringing his season totals to 45 receptions and nine touchdown catches, setting new records for a freshman at Ohio State. The team took the opportunity to experiment with defensive schemes under Jim Knowles, testing new strategies ahead of their next games. Ohio State's ongoing success partly hinges on maintaining healthy players, as concerns about offensive line injuries became evident during the match. This win places Ohio State in a strong position as they navigate the remainder of their season.