The Ohio State Buckeyes are just over 24 hours away from their highly anticipated rematch against the Oregon Ducks. With their lives on the line in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State will look to avenge its 32-31 loss to Oregon earlier in the season.

To get a win this time, the Buckeyes will have to take their games to a new level.

One of those stars is none other than freshman star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State needs him to play the best game of his young college football career.

As the year progressed, Smith looked like a superstar. He has far exceeded the expectations originally placed on him.

Now he’s being asked to be one of the big driving forces behind knocking out the best team in the country.

Before his second match against the Ducks, Smith fired a warning shot at his opponent.

“You’re going to see a completely different player than last time,” Smith said. “Even (receivers) coach (Brian) Hartline told me the other day that I’m a completely different player than I was in the first game against Oregon so far. “It started with understanding the game plan and what the defense is trying to do.”

Smith has certainly taken his game to a new level. He needs to continue playing at this level in this match.

So far in his first year, Smith has recorded 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is already considered an elite prospect for the NFL draft of the future.

A big game against Oregon would take that hype to the next level.

That being said, it will be very interesting to see what the Buckeyes and Smith look like. They came up just short in their first game against the Ducks, and hopefully this time will be different.

Expect Smith and Ohio State to come out strong and make a statement. However, Oregon will be able to compete with that toughness and talent. Ultimately, this should be a classic College Football Playoff game.