Ohio State’s bold strategy of leaving DeVonta Smith wide open backfired (Photo)

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes for a touchdown in the second quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes for a touchdown in the second quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State may need to rethink their plan for defending Alabama’s DeVonta Smith because they keep leaving the Heisman Trophy-winner wide open.

DeVonta Smith just won the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football.

Ohio State should think about covering him. Thus far in the National Championship Game, the Buckeyes have declined.

That bold strategy, obviously, isn’t working.

Smith already had more than 100 yards in the title game with only a few minutes gone in the second quarter.

It could be a long game for the Ohio State secondary

He’s been the best player in college football all season. He’s burned teams with his speed over the top, so at least Ohio State can take heart that he hasn’t beaten them that way yet. But he’s done it in every other manner.

If you’re trying to stay in the game with an offense like Alabama’s, keeping a lid on the best player on the field should be the first order of business. Leaving him with yards of space and no defender near him is not ideal.

This isn’t rocket science.

Then again, teams have a tough time stopping Smith even when he is covered.

Ohio State is just the latest victim.

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