Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith’s second-quarter touchdown against Michigan was subject to review for a potential fumble.,Officials confirmed the touchdown after a replay review, despite debate over whether Smith bobbled the ball before crossing the goal line.Did star Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith fumble before crossing the goal line on his second-quarter touchdown against Michigan on Saturday? Smith put the Buckeyes up 10-6 in the second quarter with his fourth-down catch for a 35-yard score. However, close observation of the play suggests he may have bobbled the ball as he entered the end zone, raising the question of whether it should have been ruled a touchback.
The touchdown was initially ruled a score on the field and upheld after a replay review. Social media posts from FOX College Football highlighted the play, showing it in slow motion and asking for viewer opinions on the call.
While some angles suggest Smith lost possession just as he crossed the goal line and his left foot stepped out of bounds before he regained control, there’s also an argument that he had the ball secured against his chest during the crossing. The available replay angles, particularly the pylon cam, did not provide a completely clear view of Smith’s entire body, which likely contributed to officials sticking with the original call.
Ultimately, Ohio State secured a 27-9 victory over Michigan. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns, including the controversial score by Smith. The Buckeyes’ offense also gained 186 yards on the ground, while Michigan’s offense was limited to 163 total yards against Ohio State’s defense. This win snapped Michigan’s four-game winning streak in “The Game.”
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