Ohio State fortunate that cheap shot to Jeremiah Smith didn't cause season-ending injury
There was concern entering the week that Ohio State could suffer a catastrophic injury as Wrigley Field was converted to fit a football field. Despite the cold weather and newly laid field, the Buckeyes walked away from their 31-7 victory healthy. But it almost wasn't so. Instead of the turf monster causing a sprain or […]
There was concern entering the week that Ohio State could suffer a catastrophic injury as Wrigley Field was converted to fit a football field. Despite the cold weather and newly laid field, the Buckeyes walked away from their 31-7 victory healthy. But it almost wasn't so.
Instead of the turf monster causing a sprain or tear, Northwestern cornerback Robert Fitzgerald was the inflictor of pain. Ohio State has tremendous depth, but the cheap shot he laid on Jeremiah Smith might've turned the tides in the College Football Playoff race.
Take a look at how Fitzgerald intentionally rolled Smith's ankle at the end of the play.
Fitzgerald, a sophomore who has 37 tackles in 2024, quickly drew the ire of fans on social media in the aftermath of his actions. This was not a natural football move, as the defensive back went way beyond an acceptable level of sportsmanship and physicality.
While Fitzgerald logged a sack and has been an improving player for the Wildcats, this was an action that could draw a suspension from the Big Ten or program. He disabled his Twitter account shortly after the game,
Unfortunately, Northwestern head coach David Braun opted against saying anything after the game about his player aggressively twisting Smith's ankle.
Smith went to the sideline after the move but shortly returned afterward. Ohio State's leading receiver could've seen his season end just like that, but thankfully, he seemed unbothered.
Ryan Day sent a dear message to Buckeye Nation immediately after Ohio State blew out Northwestern
Buckeye Nation showed up.
