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Jeremiah Smith celebrated his 20th birthday in epic fashion on Saturday with a big touchdown against Michigan in Ohio State’s 27-9 victory, but it wasn’t without controversy.
Smith’s 35-yard touchdown and PAT in the second quarter put Ohio State up 10-3, but he appeared to fumble near the goal line.
It was never entirely clear whether Smith lost possession before crossing the pylon, but it was clear that he did not regain it until after going out of bounds beyond it.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown pass in front of Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Nov. 29, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
An offensive fumble that goes out of bounds in the end zone results in a touchback. Officials reviewed it, but the call was confirmed, sparking protests on social media.
Maybe the touchdown didn’t matter much considering Michigan couldn’t find the end zone all day, but it was a clear turning point in the game.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
MICHIGAN PLAYER GIVEN UNSPORTSMANSHIP CONDUCT PENALTY AFTER HELMET MAKES CONTACT WITH REF IN HEATED EXCHANGE
Michigan kicked another field goal after Smith’s score, but the Buckeyes marched down the field again to end the first half with a Brandon Innis touchdown to go up eight points. Then it started snowing, and it seemed like that was playing into Ohio State’s hands.
Ohio State and Michigan exchanged punts to start the second half, but Michigan’s punt was just 11 yards giving OSU great field position. On just the second play of the drive, Carnell Tate, playing in his first game since Nov. 1, scored a 50-yard touchdown to put his team up 24-9.
It was not since 2019 that Ohio State last beat Michigan, and last year’s loss in Columbus as three-touchdown favorites was the biggest upset in the history of the rivalry. Michigan players planted their flag at Columbus midfield, leading to a fight. Surely, all of that was bulletin board material the Buckeyes will remember for nearly 365 days.
The Ohio State Buckeyes mascot takes the field before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. (Rick Osentoski/Image Images)
Ohio State and Indiana, the two top-ranked teams in the country and both 12-0, will now meet in next week’s Big Ten championship.
