Ohio State Faces Its Biggest Test As Michigan Looms Without Carnell Tate Or Jeremiah Smith In The Line-Up

If the Ohio State Buckeyes encounter their arch-rival Michigan next Saturday without their two dynamic playmakers, they now possess a strategy for success. The undefeated Buckeyes (11-0) triumphed over Rutgers, 42-9, in a game devoid of star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, both sidelined due to lower-body injuries. Their absence prompted Ohio State to adopt a tough, tight-end-centric approach, prioritizing ball control rather than the deep passing game—a tactic they might need to employ to end their four-game losing streak against the Wolverines.Coach Ryan Day characterized both players as “day-to-day” post-victory, revealing no assurances for their participation next week. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 13 of 19 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, relying heavily on tight end Max Klare, who amassed 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. The formidable rushing game, led by freshman Bo Jackson with 110 rushing yards, lays a robust foundation should aerial threats remain absent in the upcoming clash with Michigan.