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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Which Ohio State Player is Most Concerning?

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•12/29/24
Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (left) celebrates a touchdown with wideout Emeka Egbuka (middle) and quarterback Will Howard (right) during a Week 2 win over Western Michigan. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Oregon and Ohio State are set for a rematch in just a few days. We’ll start our roundtables with a look at which Ohio State player we think the Ducks need to be concerned with.

It was an epic matchup in October in Eugene. It should be another great game in Los Angeles on January 1.

We know Ohio State has a lot of talent on its roster. So which player is the most concerning for the Ducks?

Here are our picks.

Collin King: WR Jeremiah Smith

Last time Oregon faced Ohio State, I put Egbuka here because I felt like Smith would draw eyes away from Emeka and allow for him to have a better game. That wasn’t the case and Jeremiah Smith has been incredible all season long. I really wonder how Oregon will look to match up against Smith this time around and if someone with more size such as Sione Laulea will get an uptick in reps. 

Linden Hile: RB TreVeyon Henderson

Everyone focuses on Ohio State’s diabolical receiver lineup and for good reason, but let’s not forget how special its running back tandem is. Before pivoting away from the ground game in the first matchup between these teams, Tre’Veyon Henderson had an excellent first half against the Ducks that included the longest rush of the game.

One could go back and forth on whether the Buckeyes got away from the run out of desire or necessity but their offense became much easier to contain once they honed in on the pass. I don’t expect coach Ryan Day to make that mistake twice.

Max Torres: WR Jeremiah Smith

I don’t remember if I listed Smith in the first matchup, but he remains the most dangerous offensive weapon for Ohio State in my mind. He’s got an elite blend of size, speed and playmaking ability that is tough for any corner to slow down. He got loose for 9 catches, 100 yards and a touchdown against the Ducks in October. Oregon’s cornerbacks are talented, but they aren’t big. This is going to be another challenge.

Jhop: WR Emeka Egbuka

Most will forget how well Oregon did against Ohio State’s run game and the job Oregon did containing Jeremiah Smith. Which is why Egbuka had 10 catches and over 100 total yards and a touchdown vs the Ducks. He was Will Howard’s safety valve many times keeping drives going. Ohio State has a lot of weapons and containing them all is no easy task. But Egbuka is the guy that really hurt Oregon the last go-round.

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