Jeremiah Smith Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jeremiah Smith earned his first Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week award for his performance against Michigan State (3-2, 1-1) on Sept. 28 in East Lansing, Mich. Smith once again exploded as the No. 3 Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0) easily handled the Spartans.

Smith was incredible as the Buckeyes continued their offensive dominance in their first conference matchup of the season. The 18-year-old phenom hauled in 5 catches for 83 yards in his first ever collegiate road game. He scored 2 total touchdowns, both in the first half. The first of the two came from a 19-yard reverse on his first career rushing attempt.

Jeremiah Smith's Pair of Insane Grabs

He then had an absolutely incredible pair of catches later on to end the first half. Smith came down with one of the more impressive catches anyone will ever see. He snagged a one-handed reception over two defenders near the sideline while having his facemask grabbed. Pictures showed that Smith could not even see with how much his helmet was being pulled down.

Smith is making these abnormal catches routinely now. He stated postgame in an interview with Lewis Johnson of NBC Sports that "There's no 50-50 balls with me."

He was right. With the two defenders blanketing him, it was supposed to be roughly a 33-67 ball in favor of the defense. However, the nation is quickly learning that Smith does not care for probability. If the ball is in his vicinity, adjust your math and expect him to come down with it.

He continued to support that statement when he made another highlight-reel catch just plays later. Backup quarterback Devin Brown came in for a single play later in the same drive after starter Will Howard took a hit that forced him out of the game temporarily. Head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly showed the extreme confidence they have in both Brown and the freshman as they dialed up another play to Smith down the sideline. Brown took the snap and lobbed the ball up to Smith, who once again used only a single hand to haul in the pass, this time for the score.

That touchdown gave the Buckeyes a 24-7 lead going into the half. Smith's two seemingly impossible grabs took all the life out of the Spartans. They would not score again as Ohio State came out with a 38-7 victory.

The freshman sensation only seems to improve each week. He now has 19 receptions for 364 yards and 5 touchdowns this year. The numbers still don't tell the whole story. He is consistently doing things that college players don't do, let alone 18-year-old freshmen (Ryan Williams of Alabama is 17-years-old). Fans should not expect this to be the last time he receives this honor from the Big Ten this season.