Ryan Day has perfect reaction to reporter named 'Jeremiah Smith' at Rose Bowl postgame presser

Ryan Day's Ohio State Buckeyes ended the unbeaten run of this year's championship favorite, the Oregon Ducks, defeating them 41-21. Quarterback Will Howard threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, with freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith setting a record with 187 receiving yards.

The Buckeyes led 31-0 by the second quarter, capitalizing on Oregon's offensive struggles and defensive lapses. Ohio State's defense pressured Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, limiting his effectiveness, and ultimately winning with a 20-point difference. The program will face Texas next in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.

In an interview on Jan. 3 before the Cotton Bowl, Ryan Day had a witty reply to a question from Jeremiah Smith, a reporter present at the scene.

"Hey coach, Will looked maybe the most comfortable he's looked all season against Oregon. How did you going into this game capitalize on that confidence, that momentum? How do you really make that count for you?" Smith asked.

"We just keep throwing it to you," Day replied.

Ryan Day's witty response made the room break into laughter. Jeremiah Smith is also the name of Ohio State's wide receiver, who has led the team in receiving yards, registering 1,224 yards, including 14 touchdowns from 70 receptions.

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Ryan Day led Ohio State's #4 wide receiver against Oregon

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch - Source: Imagn

Ohio State's freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. He dominated early, amassing five receptions for 161 yards and two scores in the first half.

Smith had already warned Oregon's defense before the game:

"I'm just laughing in my head. Why are y'all really playing man-on-man against us, or against me, I should say? And when we see man [coverage] against any of our receivers, we're going to take a shot down the field. So I'm just letting everybody know right now that if you play man Wednesday, we're taking a shot."

Smith delivered on his promise as his 45-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter showed he was ready to win. After the game, Smith stated:

"We're just hungry. We're trying to win it all and that's what we're going to do, for sure."

To win it all, Ryan Day's boys will first have to beat the Texas Longhorns in the upcoming Cotton Bowl matchup on Jan. 10.