It was late in the third quarter when Devin Smith—hoping to make a game-changing play—split wide against Navy.
Ohio State was off to a sluggish start in its season opener, trailing 14-13 late in the third quarter. The Buckeyes offense had only produced two field goals, with the sole touchdown coming via Darron Lee’s fumble recovery and 62-yard return.
When the ball was snapped, J.T. Barrett faked a hand-off to Ezekiel Elliott, which caused a split-second hesitation from Navy’s deep safety.
That was all Smith needed.
Barrett launched an underthrown ball and the senior wideout adjusted, hauled it in and shook the Midshipmen defender for the go-ahead 80-yard touchdown.
According to John Kampf of The Morning Journal, Smith knew it was only a matter of time.
“I knew once Meyer called my number, I was going to make a play.”
With Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies coming to town this Saturday, the Buckeyes will need Smith to deliver in a similar fashion.
Loads of Potential, Fits of Inconsistency
Smith has come up with a number of big plays during his time in Columbus.
Facing the eventual Big Ten champion Wisconsin Badgers as a freshman, Smith got behind the defense in the final 30 seconds for a game-winning 40-yard touchdown.
A year later, he torched Cal with a 72-yard touchdown catch and burned Michigan State deep for a 63-yard score, both of which gave the Buckeyes a lead they wouldn’t surrender.
Throughout his…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Why Devin Smith Will Be Key Against Virginia Tech
