With Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate's status still uncertain, what can Ohio State get from its offense against Michigan?

If Smith and Tate play, what will it look like? Can OSU win without them?

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin throws a pass during Saturday’s win against Rutgers. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — Like some cruel tease, Jeremiah Smith was unmissable during the pregame of Ohio State vs. Rutgers. Well before Smith, wearing a charcoal OSU track suit with his braids tied up above his head, walked onto the field with about 30 minutes until kickoff, he loomed large above Ohio Stadium.

A Heisman Trophy advertisement featuring Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, with a scannable QR code linking to a fan vote asking folks to cast their ballots, was displayed on the video board above the south stands several times during the two hours before the game. There was also a video advertisement, possibly for American Eagle Outfitters, featuring Smith, which played during warmups.

Those in the stadium received those reminders of Smith’s athletic ability and star appeal, knowing they wouldn’t actually get to see him play.