Questionable offensive pass interference call against wide receiver Jeremiah Smith costs Ohio State dearly

In a heartbreaking 32-31 loss to No. 3 Oregon on Saturday night, a controversial offensive pass interference call against freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on Ohio State's final drive left Buckeye fans frustrated and confused.

With just 28 seconds left, Ohio State trailed by one point on 2nd-and-10 from Oregon's 28-yard line when quarterback Will Howard connected with Smith for an 8-yard gain. The catch would have made for a manageable third down and likely set the Buckeyes up for a potentially game-winning field goal.

However, the officiating team flagged Smith for offensive pass interference, a 15-yard penalty that pushed Ohio State back to the Oregon 43-yard line and effectively knocked them out of field goal range. Replays showed the defender made contact with Smith, but referees concluded Smith's reaction warranted a penalty.

Another look at the OPI calls against Jeremiah Smith pic.twitter.com/UPukzS6XcU

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 13, 2024

Simply put, this decision is rarely made, especially in a moment like this when everything is at stake. Contact between Smith and the defender appeared to be minimal, and in most cases such plays are let loose, especially when initiated by the defense. But that night the flag flew, adding another layer of frustration to an already tense night.

The corner blocks the receiver when he is pushed. This is not OPI. This is a publication. https://t.co/FekuDUmM5C

– Chimdi Chekwa (@ChimChek) October 13, 2024

“It cost us,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said of the postgame play. “But it shouldn’t come down to one play. I've said that before. We don't want to leave any doubt. I feel like we should have done that tonight. We didn't do it. Then you put it in the hands of a decision,” and you don’t understand it, then it’s up to us. This situation should never arise.

As Day suggested, that one call wasn't the reason Ohio State lost. Still, many questioned the decision and wondered what could have been when a game of this magnitude hinged on a rarely converted penalty.