That “alien” was at the heart of Ohio State Buckeyes’ latest win. The same otherworldly presence who played a starring role in snapping Washington’s 23-game home winning streak. Ohio State’s 24-6 march in Seattle was a tale of many stories. But chief among them is the fact that Jeremiah Smith still remains the best college football player. meanwhile, Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after a sideline outburst. This is also a story of the return of two historic programs clashing in the regular season for the first time since 2007.

Running back CJ Donaldson had a great quote after the game when asked about his teammate’s touchdown, caught by an OSU insider. “That alien gave us some juice, man,” he said with a laugh. “That guy different. He work hard every day. He push us each and every day to be our best. He’s always bringing that juice. He’s a South Florida guy, you know, he’s got that swagger to him.” Donaldson had reason to smile himself, finishing with two scores of his own on the ground and through the air for 43 yards.

Even CJ doesn’t mind the night belonging to Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes opened sluggishly, blanked for nearly the first half, before finally breaking through with a minute left before intermission. On third and long, quarterback Julian Sayin zipped a quick slant to Smith, who turned it into an 18-yard score with ease. It was the kind of play that flipped momentum in a hostile stadium and reminded everyone that Smith isn’t just good at catching passes, he’s also terrifying to defend.

Every touch from him feels like danger waiting to happen. He posted seven catches for 63 yards and a score, pushing his final line to 81 yards on the night. More importantly, he was once again the man Sayin leaned on when OSU needed answers. OSU’s #4’s cutting edge slants and comeback routes shrugs defenders like dust. His Heisman push isn’t just noise anymore.

Lethality of this offense is also based on the constantly growing chemistry between the QB1/WR1 duo. Sayin and Smith are a footballing delight to watch. Every week, the trust seems stronger, and the timings sharper. Nowadays, everyone knows where the ball is going whenever they want to cut the defense open. And when it lands in Smith’s hands, all a defensive back can do is pray and start going for his legs. Of course, Smith wasn’t the lone highlight.

Another freshman, Bo Jackson, churned out 80 hard-earned rushing yards, keeping the offense balanced, while the Buckeye defense suffocated Washington for most of the night. OSU, now with their offense and alien receiver, are in flow with a sense of confidence. They get Minnesota in week 6.

Buckeyes’ defense takes care of business in Seattle

The box score won’t tell the full story, but Ohio State’s defense was also part of the backbone of Saturday’s win in Seattle. Huskie’s moved the ball with flashes of rhythm but not when it mattered the most. The Bucks turned stubborn and refused to break.

They stuffed a fake field goal attempt early, then clamped down in the red zone, forcing the Huskies to settle for FGs instead of TDs. That bend-but-don’t-break identity was on full display. The defining moment came with just under nine minutes to play and Ohio State holding a 17-6 lead. Facing 4th and 2 near midfield, the Buckeyes dialed up pressure, swarming Demond Williams Jr. for a sack that silenced the purple-and-gold crowd.

Matt Patricia’s unit played fast and fearless all night, throwing different looks at Williams Jr. while keeping their explosive back Jonah Coleman under wraps.