Robert Griffin III isn’t buying Desmond Howard’s take on Jeremiah Smith.
During Saturday’s broadcast of Ohio State’s win over Northwestern, Howard took aim at Smith’s Heisman candidacy, saying he was underwhelmed by the receiver’s production in “big games.” Griffin, working the Buckeyes’ game for Fox, pushed back hard and suggested Howard’s view was colored by his Michigan ties.
“Desmond Howard has to stop hating on Jeremiah Smith just because he goes to Ohio State,” Griffin said. “That’s not the right way to do this.”
Howard’s criticism centered on the idea that Smith hasn’t “been the difference” when the lights are brightest. But Smith’s résumé says otherwise. He has kept producing even with uneven quarterback play, piling up more than 300 yards in the three games since Julian Sayin went down with an injury to his throwing arm.
He also has the kind of moments Howard seemed to say were missing. Smith scored the game-winner in Ohio State’s victory over Indiana, then posted more than 160 yards against No.
4 Texas and more than 200 against No. 14 Iowa.
And this wasn’t just a one-game flash. Smith was productive late last season too, combining for more than 300 yards in losses to Indiana in the Big Ten title game and Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Howard’s comments sparked plenty of pushback, and Griffin made it clear he thought the criticism was off base. The Heisman race may still have plenty of twists ahead, but Smith remains one of the favorites for the award.
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