Ohio State wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are set to play against Michigan this Saturday, according to coach Ryan Day’s recent confirmation on Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff.”
Key Updates on Players
Both Smith and Tate faced challenges this week with lower-body injuries that limited their practice. They were initially listed as questionable on the Big Ten availability report.
- Jeremiah Smith: Did not participate in the recent game against Rutgers due to an injury sustained on November 15 against UCLA. Despite this, he remains a significant player with 69 catches for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
- Carnell Tate: Hasn’t played since November 1, missing the Purdue game on November 8 after feeling tight during warmups. He has made 39 receptions for 711 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing an average of 18.2 yards per catch.
Performance Highlights
Both receivers are crucial for quarterback Julian Sayin, who boasts a remarkable completion rate of 79.4%, along with 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry
Ohio State has struggled against Michigan recently, currently on a four-game losing streak. Notably, the team failed to score in the second half of last year’s matchup, resulting in a 13-10 defeat.
- Last Year’s Game: Tate was Ohio State’s leading receiver with six catches for 58 yards.
- Jeremiah Smith’s Contribution: Registered five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, marking one of his lower outputs in the 2024 season.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the return of Smith and Tate significantly boosts Ohio State’s offensive capabilities. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the Buckeyes aim to break their losing streak against their long-time rivals.
