Skull Session: Will Howard Breaks Down Ohio State’s “3rd-and-Jeremiah” Play in the CFP Title Game, Orego

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship is the grand stage where the best teams in college football battle for supremacy, and for Ohio State, 2024’s title game against Oregon was no different. But it wasn’t just the back-and-forth scoring, strategic plays, or dominant defensive stops that made this game a memorable one for Buckeyes fans—it was one particular moment that has since been immortalized in Ohio State football lore: the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play.

This moment came in the third quarter of an intense and high-stakes contest against Oregon, and it was a moment of brilliance, athleticism, and strategy. A singular play that became a defining moment for the Buckeyes on their path to the championship. Ohio State had been on the verge of a pivotal third down, with the game hanging in the balance, when the Buckeyes executed a play that would go down in history, thanks to the vision and skill of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.

Will Howard, who had taken the helm at quarterback after an injury to starter Kyle McCord, would become the architect of a memorable play that led to a game-changing moment. The play itself—often referred to as “3rd-and-Jeremiah”—was an embodiment of Ohio State’s offense at its best: precise, unpredictable, and explosive.

In this edition of the Skull Session, we will break down the play, examine the tactical brilliance behind it, and explore how it affected the course of the game. Along the way, we’ll also dive into Ohio State’s path to the CFP title game and take a look at the road ahead for the Buckeyes as they build toward another championship run.

1. Setting the Scene: Ohio State vs. Oregon in the CFP National Championship

Before we can break down “3rd-and-Jeremiah,” it’s important to understand the stakes and the context surrounding the game. Ohio State, with its high-powered offense and elite defense, had bulldozed its way through the regular season. The Buckeyes were the No. 1 seed in the CFP after a dominant 12-1 season in the Big Ten, with their lone loss coming in a heart-wrenching shootout against Michigan in the regular season finale. They had put together an impressive resume, including wins over top-tier teams like Penn State, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin.

But when the playoffs came, Ohio State’s defense showed what it was capable of, and Will Howard stepped up in his first major role as a starter. Having been thrust into the position after McCord’s midseason injury, Howard had steadily built confidence, and by the time the Buckeyes faced Oregon in the championship, the redshirt sophomore had grown into a more complete leader of the offense.

Oregon, led by dynamic head coach Dan Lanning and quarterback Bo Nix, had its own high expectations. The Ducks were known for their explosive offense, and they had the firepower to compete with anyone in the country. Oregon’s defense, while not as dominant as the Buckeyes’ defensive front, had its own set of standout players who were capable of disrupting even the best offenses.

The matchup between Ohio State and Oregon was everything that college football fans could ask for—a clash of two elite programs, one with a rich history of success and another trying to build on its own potential for greatness.

2. The “3rd-and-Jeremiah” Play: A Closer Look

It was in the middle of a tense game that the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play happened. Ohio State was down by 10 points, and the game had reached a critical juncture in the third quarter. The Buckeyes faced a must-convert 3rd-and-7 deep in Oregon territory, with momentum swinging back and forth. The tension was palpable, and the next few plays could decide whether the Buckeyes would continue to stay in the hunt for the title or if the Ducks would pull away.

On this pivotal third down, the Buckeyes’ offense came to the line with Howard under center. Oregon was set to bring pressure, and the defense was keen on forcing Ohio State into a mistake. With Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s standout wide receiver, lined up on the outside, it was clear that this was going to be a play designed to capitalize on his elite athleticism and separation skills. Howard knew he needed to be precise.

The ball was snapped, and the pocket began to form. Oregon’s defensive line, known for its ability to get to the quarterback quickly, moved towards Howard, but the Buckeyes’ offensive line did its job, giving Howard the time he needed to survey the field. At this critical moment, Howard looked to the right, where Smith was running a deep post route—an area of the field where he had found success all season.

As Howard let the ball fly, the stadium went silent. Time seemed to slow. Smith had created enough separation from his defender, and Howard placed the ball in the perfect spot—right over the outstretched arms of the Oregon cornerback, where only Smith could reach it. Smith accelerated, leaped, and pulled in the pass for a 35-yard gain—an incredible display of skill, timing, and precision that set up Ohio State inside the red zone.

The moment was a turning point in the game. The Buckeyes quickly capitalized on the momentum gained from the huge play, driving down the field and eventually scoring a touchdown to tie the game. The defense came through with some timely stops, and Ohio State never looked back. The “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play became a symbol of the Buckeyes’ resilience and their ability to execute under pressure.

3. The Tactical Brilliance of the Play

At first glance, the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play might seem like a simple deep pass, but a closer look reveals the tactical brilliance behind it.

• The Design of the Play: The play was a well-executed deep post route by Smith, who was matched up against a cornerback with an average ability to handle deep routes. The offensive line did an excellent job of providing Howard with enough time to allow the route to develop. The timing between Howard and Smith was crucial, and both players displayed a deep understanding of the game’s tempo and rhythm.
• The Role of Howard: Will Howard’s poise and decision-making were pivotal. Under heavy pressure, Howard showed his maturity by sticking with his read, scanning the field and letting Smith finish the route. His arm strength allowed him to throw the ball into tight windows, and his awareness of the pocket and Oregon’s defense was key to making the play happen. Howard’s calm demeanor and composure in the clutch allowed Ohio State to convert on one of the most important plays of the game.
• Jeremiah Smith’s Athleticism: As one of the nation’s top receivers, Smith’s ability to separate from defenders, especially in the big moments, made him a go-to target on critical downs. His route running, timing, and ability to track the ball in the air made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play was a prime example of his talent. The catch was textbook—high-pointing the ball and securing it with both hands as he fell to the ground in traffic.

4. The Impact on Ohio State’s Championship Hopes

The significance of the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play goes beyond just the game against Oregon—it has become a defining moment in Ohio State’s championship run.

• Momentum Shift: The Buckeyes had been on the ropes. The defense had been struggling to get stops, and the offense was having difficulty finding rhythm against Oregon’s defensive pressure. That play, however, shifted the momentum completely. It not only gave Ohio State the momentum boost it needed, but it also rattled Oregon’s defense and gave Ohio State’s offense the confidence it needed to execute on the next drive.
• Mental Toughness: The ability of Ohio State to stay calm and execute in such a high-pressure moment showcased the mental toughness of the team. Despite falling behind by 10 points and facing a critical 3rd-and-7, the Buckeyes showed their resilience. That moment underscored Ohio State’s never-say-die attitude, which would serve them well as they fought their way to victory.
• Howard’s Confidence: For Will Howard, this play was the perfect encapsulation of his growth and ability to rise to the occasion. Having entered the season as a backup, Howard had spent the year developing and growing in his role. The “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play highlighted his maturation and his comfort level in handling the big stage. His performance against Oregon not only secured the win but also solidified his role as the leader of Ohio State’s offense moving forward.

5. The Road Ahead: Ohio State’s Path to Dominance

With the “3rd-and-Jeremiah” play now part of Ohio State football folklore, the Buckeyes are looking to build on their CFP victory and continue their championship aspirations.

• Development of Will Howard: As Howard enters his junior season, there will be more pressure on him to continue to lead Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The team will likely lose some key offensive pieces to the NFL Draft, but Howard’s leadership and ability to command the offense will be critical as the Buckeyes look to make another championship run.
• Recruiting and Depth: Ohio State has always been one of the nation’s top recruiting programs, and with the national championship under their belt, they are sure to attract more elite talent. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver units will remain strong, setting the stage for another powerful season.
• Big Ten Dominance: Ohio State’s path to the CFP will likely go through the Big Ten once again. With perennial rivals like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin continuing to improve, the Buckeyes will need to stay sharp. However, with the experience gained from their 2024 championship run, Ohio State is poised to dominate the Big Ten and position itself for a return to the CFP.