However, after entering the matchup against UCLA tagged as questionable, Smith played in the first half but was ruled out for the second. That only adds further intrigue to Ohio State's wide receiver room, as Carnell Tate was ruled out against the Bruins before an eventual 48-10 Ohio State win.

The dress rehearsal ended with Ohio State's 42-9 win against outmatched Rutgers. Now comes the actual show −Michigan. Will Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate be healthy enough to play against the Wolverines? Both sat out against the Scarlet Knights. Will OSU try to run the ball down UM's throat (Buckeye Nation says "They better not!").

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes host Rutgers Scarlett Knights in a Big Ten showdown Saturday, but the game arrives with a clear wrinkle. Key receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will not play, forcing the Buckeyes to adjust on the fly.

No. 1 Ohio State will be without both of its top receivers for the final home game of the regular season against Rutgers. Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are both listed as out in the Buckeyes’ injury report released ahead of Saturday’s noon kickoff.