Marcus Freeman Sends Clear Message to Jeremiah Smith Ahead of National Championship
As the stage is set for the College Football Playoff national championship game, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has his sights firmly fixed on the challenge posed by Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. With the Fighting Irish preparing to take on the Buckeyes at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Freeman made it clear that his team is more than equipped to handle the explosive threat posed by Smith.
A Dynamic Football Player
Freeman was effusive in his praise for Smith, describing him as a “dynamic football player” who boasts a rare combination of physical presence and athleticism. “He’s physically a big presence, but he can run, he can catch,” Freeman noted, per Dominic Miranda. “So, you’re going to have to do some different things to try and keep him off balance.”
Trusting in the Fighting Irish
However, Freeman was also keen to emphasize that the Fighting Irish have their own arsenal of talented players who are more than capable of rising to the challenge. “But the other part of that is, we got good players too,” he pointed out. “We gotta do what we do. We’re going to trust our guys to get the job done no matter what we call defensively.”
Smith’s Explosive Impact
Smith has been a revelation for the Buckeyes this season, helping the team average 35.8 points and 428.3 yards per game. His personal statistics are equally impressive, with 14 touchdowns and 1,227 yards on 71 receptions. As the Buckeyes’ leading receiver, Smith has been a key factor in the team’s three-game run through the College Football Playoff.
Postseason Heroics
During the postseason, Smith has continued to shine, producing four touchdowns and 293 yards on 14 receptions. His explosive performances have made him one of the standout stars of the College Football Playoff.
A Battle for Supremacy
As the Fighting Irish and Buckeyes prepare to clash in the national championship game, the battle between Notre Dame’s defense and Smith is set to be one of the key matchups. With Freeman’s men determined to contain the explosive threat posed by Smith, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that will determine the ultimate champion of college football.
