Ohio State beat Illinois 42-19 at home Saturday as Jeremiah Smith caught 12 passes for a career-high 217 yards and four touchdowns. He became the first Buckeye to surpass 3,000 career receiving yards and tied the school's single-game receiving touchdown record.
Smith had eight catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, including a 72-yard score. Ohio State ran just five plays in the third quarter while Illinois held the ball for nearly the full 15 minutes, limiting Smith's opportunities to add to his total.
Illinois cut the deficit to 35-19 with under seven minutes remaining, but its onside kick failed to travel 10 yards. Ohio State took over with 6:02 left and extended its lead on Ja'Kobi Jackson's short touchdown run. Coach Ryan Day praised Smith's work ethic and practice habits.
