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By Jordan Sigler
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With quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined due to a right throwing-arm and shoulder injury, the No. 2 Ohio State offense suffered in Saturday night's 30-18 loss to USC.
Luke Fahey went 21 of 38 passing for 260 yards and one touchdown. It was no surprise that Fahey's top target was wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who finished the night with 10 receptions for 83 yards and a score.
Per On3, Smith broke the Big Ten's all-time career receiving touchdown record with 40 touchdown receptions. Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards previously held the record with 39 touchdown receptions. He played with the Wolverines from 2001 to 2004.
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Opposing defenses know Smith is going to get the ball, but they still struggle over the Heisman Trophy hopeful. Earlier in the season, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Smith for his ability to make contested catches.
"There's times where he's covered and we make the throw and catch, which just speaks to his ability and Julian, his trust with him," Day said, via ESPN. "There's other plays where he was open and we work hard on designing those plays and trying to give him an opportunity, especially when it's down the field."
The Buckeyes still have four games remaining in the regular season, giving Smith an opportunity to expand on the Big Ten touchdown record. Ohio State still has Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan remaining on its schedule.
However, the loss to USC puts Ohio State's hopes to make the College Football Playoff in jeopardy. The Buckeyes are 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Big Ten play.
Sayin is out indefinitely, and the Buckeyes are preparing to be without their starting quarterback for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the postseason.
Expect Fahey to rely on Smith in the final month as Ohio State tries to stay in the CFP race.
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