Eric Boggs
In a game filled with excitement, controversy emerged from Ohio State’s dominant 31-7 victory over Northwestern last Saturday. Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith dazzled Buckeye Nation with a 68-yard catch-and-run early in the second half, but what followed marred the highlight moment. Northwestern defensive back Robert Fitzgerald’s tackle on Smith has become the focal point of outrage, as replays appear to show Fitzgerald twisting Smith’s ankle after the play was over—an action many fans and analysts are calling a blatant attempt to injure.
The Incident
During the play, Smith snatched the ball out of the air in spectacular fashion, weaving through defenders for a massive gain. As he was brought down near the sideline, Fitzgerald appeared to grab Smith’s ankle and twist it in what some described as a move more akin to professional wrestling than football. Social media exploded with reactions from Ohio State fans accusing Fitzgerald of a dirty play. Adding fuel to the fire, Fitzgerald subsequently deleted his X (formerly Twitter) account, suggesting he had faced significant backlash.
Ryan Day and Ohio State’s Response
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day confirmed on Tuesday that the Buckeyes reported the play to the Big Ten for review. While the conference acknowledged that the tackle warranted a penalty, further disciplinary action remains undecided.
“I haven’t heard much back other than it should have been a foul,” Day said during his weekly press conference. “I know there’s still some conversation there.”
Despite the incident, Smith returned to the game on Ohio State’s next possession but was noticeably limited. Fortunately, Day reassured fans that Smith is expected to be “good to go” for the upcoming matchup against Indiana.
The Debate Over Discipline
Fans, analysts, and even podcast hosts have weighed in on the controversy. During a heated discussion on The OHIO Podcast, hosts Eric Boggs, Chris Wilds, and Cory Thompson dissected the play, expressing outrage and calling for Fitzgerald to face consequences.
“This wasn’t just a football play—it was dirty, gutless, and cowardly,” Wilds said, likening the move to a professional wrestling maneuver. “The Big Ten and the NCAA need to take this seriously. Suspend him like you would in the NFL.”
Thompson echoed the sentiment, suggesting Northwestern should take proactive measures. “If they want to save face, they need to suspend him and apologize to Ryan Day and the Ohio State program. That kind of behavior has no place in football.”
Larger Implications
The play has reignited discussions about sportsmanship and player safety, particularly in college football, where players are now considered paid athletes under NIL agreements. Many believe this shift demands stricter accountability for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“If the Big Ten doesn’t act, they’re setting a dangerous precedent,” said Thompson. “What happens when this type of behavior escalates in a playoff game? You’re risking players’ careers.”
What Comes Next?
As Ohio State awaits the Big Ten’s decision, the situation raises questions about how college football handles incidents of apparent intent to harm. Will the conference take action, or will this become another flashpoint in the growing debate over fairness and player protection?
For now, Buckeye fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Jeremiah Smith appears unscathed—ready to prove once again why he’s one of the most electrifying talents in college football. But the incident serves as a stark reminder: football is a violent game, but intentional harm crosses a line that no institution should tolerate.
