COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Will Howard accounted for four total touchdowns while Jeremiah Smith is in a league of his own, breaking two program records as Ohio State holds a 45-0 lead over Purdue in the fourth quarter.

The wide receiver passed Cris Carter for the most catches by a freshman in a single season with a 16-yard reception in the second quarter. Entering the day, Smith needed three catches to set the mark.

Smith then broke the program record for most touchdowns by a freshman with the 17-yard score late in the first half. Both records were previously set by Cris Carter in 1984. Smith now has nine receiving touchdowns this season.

“I’m not surprised in the slightest. As a freshman, I think he’s the best receiver in the country,” Howard said. “I knew Jeremiah was going to be special from the first time I met him. He’s just continued to get better and better.”

The third-ranked Buckeyes added to their lead late in the third, turning defense into offense on consecutive drives. After a Lathan Ransom interception, Treveyon Henderson scored OSU’s second rushing touchdown of the day. Moments later, Jack Sawyer recovered a Purdue fumble forced by JT Tuimoloau for a touchdown to put the Buckeyes up 38-0.

“I thought JT and Jack were both very disruptive. Certainly the forced fumble and scoop and score was the epitome of that in this game,” head coach Ryan Day said. “I think we have the right people in the right spots. I think we’re getting lined up faster, getting set, getting our cleats in the ground and being more aggressive on the perimeter.”

Howard opened the scoring with a one-yard rush into the endzone in the first quarter. In the fourth, he connected with Emeka Egbuka for his third touchdown throw of the afternoon to put OSU up 45-0.

The Buckeyes quarterback completed 21 of 26 passes for 260 yards and three passing touchdowns, adding 26 more yards on 10 carries. Smith ended his record-breaking day with six catches for 87 yards and a score.

“I’m proud of how I took care of the ball today. That’s a big emphasis for us,” Howard said. “Coming off last week, this is a solid performance. Not perfect by any means. I still have a lot of stuff to clean up.”

Ohio State improves to 8-1 overall, 5-1 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes will hit the road again next week to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field with kickoff set for noon on Nov. 16. 

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