BLOOMINGTON — l coach i isn’t one to throw flowers at gamers, however he made an exception on Monday for Jeremiah Smith forward of his group’s much-anticipated showdown in opposition to e.
The No. 4 s (6-0, 3-0 Massive Ten) are a lot accustomed to the gifted receiver having confronted off in opposition to the s (5-1, 3-0) every of the final two seasons.
After catching up on Smith's movie from this season, Cignetti put Smith in a class of his personal.
“Not solely have they got lots of glorious gamers, they’ve a wow participant,” Cignetti stated. “That's the one actually phrase to explain him that I can consider.”
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Via six video games, Smith has 48 catches for 916 yards with 11 touchdowns, numbers all ranked second nationally. He’s only a couple weeks faraway from single-handedly dominating Illinois by placing up career-highs throughout the board with 12 catches, 217 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.
Throughout that stretch, Smith set Ohio State’s profession information in complete receptions (211), receiving yards (3,474) and landing catches (38). With two scores in opposition to the Hoosiers, he would surpass Braylon Edwards for the Massive Ten’s profession landing reception file.
“He's taken it up a notch with out query,” Cignetti stated. “I believe he has 9 landing catches within the final three, 4 video games. You understand, there is no such thing as a one like him proper now taking part in at this stage. We obtained two actually good ones. He's a freak.”
The numbers again up Cignetti’s level.
Explosive vs environment friendly: e
In accordance with PFF, he’s caught 10 receptions of 20-plus yards by way of the air, one fewer than IU has as a group. He’s additionally obtained the fourth-most yards after catch within the FBS (313 yards) and tied for the third-most contested catches (9). Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has a 148.0 passer ranking when focusing on Smith.
Smith had loads of success in opposition to a in final 12 months's Massive Ten title sport with eight catches for 144 yards, however he solely had three catches for 34 yards when the groups performed in 2024. It stays the fewest yards he’s had in opposition to a Massive Ten opponent in his profession.
Indiana leaned on D’Angelo Ponds to defend Smith in each these matchups, a job that seemingly now falls to Jamari Sharpe. The fifth-year nook is m with 31 profession begins (1,842 snaps).
Insider: d
The Hoosiers will even must get robust performances from whoever begins reverse Sharpe in opposition to the Buckeyes. The 2-deep obtained a bit murky on the place after A.J. Harris changed Jaylen Bell within the second half in opposition to Nebraska. It was the primary snaps for Harris since he aggravated a knee damage within the season opener.
“We're going to need to do an important job on him,” Cignetti stated.
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