COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s offensive line heard the noise. They did their best to toe the line between accepting the challenge and blocking it out.
After poor showings against Oregon and Nebraska — when the Buckeyes lost their starting left tackle (Josh Simmons) and backup left tackle (Zen Michalski) in successive weeks — Ohio State’s front five was roundly criticized.
Wednesday, center Seth McLaughlin said that those comments helped propel the Buckeyes to a 20-13 win.
“We got called out by the media and everybody after the Nebraska game, and after losing a couple guys,” McLaughlin said. “And we took that personally and wanted to go out there and put a good product on the field. And that’s just what we got to continue to do.”
The unit especially looked dominant in the final 5:13 of the game, as it put together a drive of all run plays that wore down Penn State, and drained the clock to zeroes.
“We want to be really good,” McLaughlin continued. “So you hear that, you have a chip on your shoulder to prove people wrong — and that always helps. If you internalize it and take it personally, that’s not a recipe for success. You have to take it worth a grain of salt, and know that it’s a challenge placed on you and that you’ve got to raise up to the occasion.”
Jeremiah Smith named semifinalist for postseason award
Ohio State standout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Award on Wednesday.
The award was named after Alexander, the former All-American running back at Alabama. The award was first given to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2019.
Smith has been a stellar addition to Ohio State’s roster, as he has posted 39 receptions for 678 yards with eight touchdowns so far this season. He also has a rushing touchdown on a 19-yard carry. He also has scored a touchdown in every game but one (Penn State).
Smith ranks 29th in the country in receiving and tied for ninth in receiving touchdowns.
Key dates
- Ohio State vs Purdue: 2 days, Nov. 9
- Next CFP Rankings: 5 days Nov. 5
- The Game 2024: 23 days, Nov. 30
- Early Signing Period: 27 days, Dec. 4-6
- Big Ten Championship Game: 30 days, Dec. 7
- National Championship Game: 74 days, Jan. 20, 2025