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ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith came into the Cotton Bowl as the breakout star of the College Football Playoff. In wins over Tennessee and Oregon, Smith exploded for 290 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes won the matchups by a combined 45 points.
Texas came into the matchup boasting perhaps the top defense in college football, especially against the pass. Led by Thorpe Award-winner Jahdae Barron, the Longhorns held opponents to a nation-best 5.5 yards per pass attempt. The unit knew the challenge it faced. They were ready.
“We knew going into this game that was somebody we’d have to defend,” Texas defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell told CBS Sports. “We made him a priority throughout the week of preparation.”
On the first drive, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard targeted Jeremiah Smith for a touchdown. He almost came down with a highlight-worthy catch, but Texas smothered him. On the Buckeyes’ next position, Howard threw a short pass to Smith for three yards. It was the only reception that Smith logged the entire game. He was only targeted one more time.
Barron is the leader of the secondary, but Texas has tremendous depth and experience on the back end. Senior Michael Taaffe was an All-American after starting his career as a walk-on. Safety Andrew Mukuba earned all-conference honors. Cornerback Malik Muhammad is a rising star. Every player got serious snaps on Smith.
“They clouded him, they doubled him, they were finding different ways to get two guys over the top of him,” Ohio State quarterback Will Howard said. “All that means is that we need to be smart and get the other guys involved. … They like to keep a shell on things and make you work the ball down the field methodically. Credit to…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/texas-provided-blueprint-for-shutting-down-ohio-state-wr-jeremiah-smith-but-can-notre-dame-replicate-it/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2025-01-11 06:05:00
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