Jeremiah Smith, Riley Pettijohn Named Ohio State Offensive, Defensive Players Of The Game Against Grambling State

Following Ohio State’s 70-0 victory over Grambling, the Buckeyes announced Sunday that sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and freshman linebacker Riley Pettijohn earned the Buckeyes’ offensive and defensive player of the game honors.

Smith finished his afternoon with five catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown — an 87-yard catch and run — was the second longest passing play in Ohio State history, and is tied for the third-longest play from scrimmage in Buckeye history. 

On the opposite side of the ball, Pettijohn ended his day with two tackles and a pass breakup, but was more importantly in on two of Ohio State’s biggest defensive plays of the game. 

Pettijohn opened the third quarter by capitalizing on Grambling State’s first play of the half. Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald forced a fumble from Tigers freshman quarterback Byron Eaton Jr. which Pettijohn scooped up and returned 23 yards for a touchdown.

Later in the quarter, Pettijohn punched the football out of redshirt freshman running back Andre Crews’ hands on a rush up the middle, which Ohio State defensive lineman Epi Sitanilei promptly jumped on for the recovery.