Carnell Tate Injury: Ohio State's Carnell Tate Sidelined, Jeremiah Smith Steps Up with Record-Breaking Performance

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Ohio State's high-powered offense took a hit when star wide receiver Carnell Tate was forced to sit out a crucial game due to warm-up tightness. The absence of Tate, who had amassed 711 receiving yards and seven touchdowns prior to the game, paved the way for sophomore wideout Jeremiah Smith to shine. In just two quarters, Smith hauled in seven catches for 109 yards and a 35-yard touchdown, according to Newsweek. Smith's impressive performance not only filled the void left by Tate but also catapulted him to the top of the Buckeyes' receiving charts. With 725 yards and nine touchdowns on 55 receptions through eight games this season, Smith now leads Ohio State in both categories. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed that Tate would not return to the game in the second half, further elevating Smith's role. Smith's emergence is all the more remarkable given his background as the top recruit in Ohio State's 2024 class. His touchdown on Saturday marked a milestone, making him the fastest player in program history to reach 25 receiving touchdowns. With his impressive display, Smith has solidified his position as a key player in Ohio State's offense. The Buckeyes' depth chart reveals a talented cast of receivers, including Tate, Quincy Porter, and David Adolph. However, Smith's performance has demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer, and his contributions will be crucial in the remainder of the season.