As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for a high-stakes rematch with the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff, anticipation is at an all-time high. The two powerhouse teams, each representing the elite of college football, are primed for another showdown, but before the action kicks off, Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith has made it clear that lingering frustration from their previous meeting still weighs on his mind.
Earlier in the season, Ohio State suffered a heartbreaking 32-31 defeat to Oregon in a thrilling game that came down to the final moments. The Buckeyes’ hopes of a last-minute victory were dashed by a controversial offensive pass interference penalty on Smith, which nullified what would have been an eight-yard catch and pushed Ohio State out of field goal range. As a result, they lost the chance to attempt a game-winning field goal, and the Ducks held on for the win.
Smith, who was visibly affected by the call, is still furious about the penalty, and he hasn’t been shy about expressing his dissatisfaction ahead of their upcoming rematch. In a candid interview, Smith made it clear that the decision still eats at him, and he believes the call was a mistake.
“I think about that call probably every day. It was a crazy call,” Smith told Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. “The DB was holding me. I just cleared his hands. I guess receivers can’t be physical in football anymore, but DBs can hold 10 yards, 15 yards down the field.”
Jeremiah Smith still disagrees with the OPI called against him in the Oregon game earlier this season.
"I think about that call probably every day. It was a crazy call," Smith said. "The DB was holding me. I just cleared his hands. I guess receivers can't be physical in football…
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) December 28, 2024
Smith’s frustration was evident as he vented about the inconsistency he sees in how rules are applied to receivers and defensive backs. “So, I mean, it’s behind me—I know how to move from here on out. When the DB is grabbing me, I know how to move now. I guess you can’t be physical as a receiver in college football anymore. We’ll see how things play out in this game.”
The earlier game against Oregon proved pivotal for both teams, and the fallout from the Buckeyes’ loss had lasting implications. Oregon dominated the rest of their season, finishing as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, while Ohio State, after the devastating loss to Michigan, slipped to No. 2. This setback put them in a more challenging position for the College Football Playoff, and they had to claw their way through a tough matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers just to earn a chance to face the Ducks again.
As the calendar turns to 2024 and the playoff battle heats up, Ohio State enters the rematch with revenge on their minds. The Buckeyes, fueled by Smith’s renewed focus and hunger for redemption, are eager to settle the score against Oregon and prove that their earlier defeat was a mere blip in what they hope will be a championship-winning season.
With the rematch set for New Year’s Day at 6 p.m. EST, all eyes will be on the field as both teams seek to make their mark. For Jeremiah Smith, this game is more than just another playoff appearance—it’s his chance to prove that his frustrations from the first matchup will fuel a better performance and potentially, a new outcome. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Ohio State as they look to exact their revenge and keep their playoff dreams alive.
