Scarlet Sunrise: Jaxon Smith-Njigba scores game-winning touchdown on Monday Night Football
Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba scores game-winning touchdown on Monday Night Football
Remember when Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in a game-winning touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7? Well, he came through in the clutch again — this time on an even bigger stage.
The former Ohio State star receiver lifted the Seattle Seahawks to a last-minute, 20-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Smith-Njigba beat Eagles cornerback James Bradberry 1-on-1 and extended to reel in a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Lock with 28 seconds remaining. The pass and catch capped a 92-yard Seahawks scoring drive.
Immediately after the game, Lock told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he’ll remember that game-winning play call the rest of his life. Lock started in place of injured Seahawks QB1 Geno Smith for the second game in a row.
“We’re breaking the huddle. I knew Jax had the 1-on-1,” an emotional Lock said. “Good reminder from (offensive coordinator) Shane [Waldron] in the headset. I said, ‘Hey Jax, if you’re 1-on-1, I’m throwing you this pill.’ Sure enough, gave us the 1-on-1 look, corner was soft, Jax hit him with some speed.
“Back pylon, back box throw, came down with it.”
That catch rounded out a four-reception, 48-yard night for Smith-Njigba. He now has 53 grabs for 541 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
“He just made the catch of his NFL career,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said postgame. “He was just as calm and poised — he’s a great competitor. I’m serious about what I’m saying here. This guy, it was not too big a deal. It was like no big deal, ‘Of course I made that catch.’ He’s been doing that his whole life. It’s that kind of confidence and savvy that allows a guy to separate from other players.
“He’s got that stuff in him. I was incredibly impressed with that. I caught a couple glimpses of him in between all the craziness and all that stuff. He was just on top of it. Really impressive.”
Seattle selected Smith-Njigba with the 20th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He became Ohio State’s third receiver drafted in the first round in the last two years, joining Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
Smith-Njigba had a record-breaking 2021 season with the Buckeyes, during which he piled up 95 catches and 1,606 receiving yards — both single-season program records — not to mention nine receiving touchdowns.
Storylines to track as National Signing Day arrives, Cotton Bowl prep continues
The early signing period opens Wednesday, and the Cotton Bowl is right around the corner. It’s a busy week for Ohio State to say the least.
Lettermen Row is breaking down the biggest storylines surrounding the program, including if the Buckeyes can hold on to their top-three 2024 recruiting class.
To find out the latest pulse on the Buckeyes beat, head on over here.
RELATED
Four-star running back Jordan Lyle flips from Ohio State to Miami
Four-star Fort Lauderdale (Fla) St. Thomas Aquinas running back Jordan Lyle decommitted from Ohio State Monday and flipped to Miami.
Lyle made an official visit to Miami this past weekend.
The 6-foot, 190-pound running back is the No. 2 running back in the country and the No. 40 overall prospect, according to On3.
Ohio State still has two running backs committed in its 2024 class: Four-star San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial running back James Peoples and three-star Pickerington (Ohio) North running back Sam Williams-Dixon.
For the full story, go here.
Transfer tracker: Breaking down Buckeyes moves, philosophy in transfer portal
Having trouble keeping track of all of Ohio State’s transfer portal departures?
Lettermen Row has you covered.
The Buckeyes have already seen 14 of their scholarship players hit the portal — including starting quarterback Kyle McCord, starting wide receiver Julian Fleming and key running back Chip Trayanum — and there could be more on the way soon.
Follow along here to stay up to date.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 347 days
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