Ohio State is preparing for a significant boost as wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are projected to play in the upcoming game against Michigan, according to reports from ESPN.
Both players have been limited in their practice sessions due to lower-body injuries. They are likely to be listed as questionable on the Big Ten availability report, but indications are strong that they will play unless something unexpected occurs during warmups.
Smith missed last week”s victory over Rutgers after suffering an injury during the game against UCLA on November 15. He was seen limping as he exited the field. Meanwhile, Tate has not played since November 1, having been sidelined for the Purdue game on November 8 due to discomfort experienced during warmups, leading coach Ryan Day to describe him as “a little tight” at that time.
Smith, a sophomore, is often regarded as one of the best all-around players in the nation. He has recorded 69 receptions for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Even with his absence during the Rutgers game, he remains tied for the Big Ten lead in touchdown receptions.
Tate has emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Buckeyes and is projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft. His 18.2 yards per catch leads the Big Ten, and he has made 39 catches for 711 yards and seven touchdowns.
Both receivers are crucial targets for quarterback Julian Sayin, who has been impressive this season, completing 79.4 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Ohio State has struggled against Michigan in recent years, currently on a four-game losing streak, which includes failing to score in the second half during last year”s matchup. In that game, Tate was Ohio State”s leading receiver, making six receptions for 58 yards, while Smith contributed five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, marking one of his lower outputs for the season.
