Jeremiah Smith Shatters Freshman Receiving Record at Ohio State
- Jeremiah Smith broke the Ohio State freshman receiving record with his ninth touchdown catch during the game against Purdue.
- Will Howard had an outstanding performance with three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown, contributing to Ohio State's dominant victory.
- Ohio State's consistent performance keeps them in contention for a strong postseason, while Purdue suffers its eighth consecutive loss.
On November 9, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes achieved a decisive 45-0 victory over Purdue. Quarterback Will Howard led the charge with three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, while freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith distinguished himself by breaking the school's freshman receiving record with his ninth touchdown catch of the season. Smith's 17-yard touchdown reception during the first half eclipsed Cris Carter's previous mark of eight touchdowns set in 1984. The game showcased a strong performance by the Buckeyes' offense, which controlled the game, throwing for 260 yards and achieving a balanced attack led by TreVeyon Henderson's contribution on the ground. The loss marked Purdue's eighth consecutive defeat, continuing a rough season that has severely impacted their standing in the Big Ten. Purdue struggled to mount any significant offensive plays, with Hudson Card passing for only 108 yards. Looking ahead, Ohio State prepares to face Northwestern at Wrigley Field the following week, aiming to maintain their strong position in the rankings. Meanwhile, Purdue will host the sixth-ranked Pennsylvania State team as they seek to break their disheartening losing streak. The contrasting trajectories of the two teams highlight Ohio State's dominance this season compared to Purdue's ongoing struggles. The implications of the outcome extend beyond bragging rights; with upcoming games against ranked teams, Ohio State's performance bears considerable weight in their pursuit of a favorable postseason position.