COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s Jeremiah Smith is ready to go for Saturday’s matchup against No. 5 Indiana, coach Ryan Day said Tuesday.
Smith hurt his ankle after a 68-yard reception during the third quarter of Saturday’s win against Northwestern.
At the end of the play, it appeared a Northwestern player twisted and pushed Smith’s ankle toward the ground.
The Buckeyes submitted the play to the Big Ten.
“We turned it in,” Day said. “We’re waiting to hear back.”
Smith came off the field, but returned to play shortly after. He got one target and a 2-yard rush after the injury.
After the game, he was seen with ice wrapped around his ankle.
Here’s everything Day said as No. 2 Ohio State prepares to face Indiana.
Everything Ryan Day said before Ohio State vs. Indiana
- Day opened his press conference by encouraging fans to be loud at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
- Tight end Will Kacmarek is going to practice this week, Day said. There’s hope Kacmarek can play Saturday.
- Day said for high school prospects who are far away and are still playing, it can be tough to make it to Ohio Stadium for a noon kickoff.
- Day on the noon kickoffs: “We make it work.”
- Day on facing IU’s passing attack after struggling against Oregon’s: “Our guys have done a great job of identifying the things … we need to do a better job at.”
- Day on juggling the opening of the early signing period while also preparing for games: “It’s just kind of what it is … It’s multi-tasking at the highest level.”
- Day was asked about the lack of touches receiver Emeka Egbuka has had recently. He pointed to a lower number of plays and possessions overall. Day noted that OSU wants to win, and players are willing to sacrifice touches if necessary.
- Day on Indiana: “I don’t think their players get enough credit.” He praised IU’s staff and how they’ve established a culture.
- Day on IU coach Curt Cignetti: “Everybody has to motivate their team … I think he’s done a great job of instilling (confidence).”
- Day said during the recruitment of safety Caleb Downs, he could tell Downs loved football. Day: “He wants to always be involved in the games … His energy, his passion for the game (carries over to his teammates).”
- Day on Indiana’s defensive front: “This is going to be a great challenge for the offensive line … The game is going to be won up front.”
- Day on IU quarterback Kurtis Rourke: “He has athleticism and can make guys miss.”
- Day on safety Lathan Ransom: “You’re seeing some of (his) best play right now. He’s physical … He came back to win. I’m glad he’s a Buckeye.”
- Day on cornerback Denzel Burke: “I think he’s going to have a great game this weekend.”
- Day said Indiana’s receivers are “on par” with other great receivers OSU has played this season.
