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Carnell Tate was jammed by Texas cornerback Gavin Holmes.
It was third-and-8 early in the fourth quarter of Ohio State’s win over the Longhorns in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff last week.
Tate emerged from the slot at the Buckeyes’ 29-yard line as he drew press coverage from Holmes.
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate had seven catches for 87 yards in a 28-14 win over Texas.
But he broke lose, ran toward open space along the left sideline and brought in a pass by quarterback Will Howard.
“Somebody had to win,” Tate said, “and I just happened to win.”
The 18-yard reception by the sophomore receiver marked a key moment on the Buckeyes’ go-ahead touchdown drive, allowing them to move the chains and approach midfield at AT&T Stadium.
As freshmen phenom Jeremiah Smith drew frequent double-teams against Texas, it left Tate to assume a larger role.
Tate, a sophomore who has started opposite Smith this season, led the Buckeyes with seven catches for 87 yards in their semifinal triumph.
“Depending on how the defense plays us, somebody is going to pop,” Tate said. “It was just my time.”
Tate’s seven receptions were a career-high, benefitting from the attention placed on Smith.
“My game piggybacks off his,” Tate said, “and his game piggybacks off mine. It’ll open up things for him.”
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During the regular season, Tate complemented Smith and Emeka Egbuka in Ohio State’s passing game, catching 41 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns.
But as Howard leaned on Smith and Egbuka more heavily to open the playoff, Tate combined for only two receptions for 28 yards in wins over Oregon and Tennessee in earlier rounds.
“Carnell has played good football for us all year,” coach Ryan Day sad, “and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/carnell-tate-sees-larger-role-110851610.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-01-16 11:08:00
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