The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Football Talk

Will Jeremiah Smith Break an Ohio State TD Record? Buckeyes' Heisman Trophy Advice: Around the Shoe

Date: November 3, 2025
Host(s): Doug Lamorises & Bill Landis (Blue Wire)
Guests: Jared Smalley & Joe Nugent (NBC4 Columbus)

Episode Overview

This week’s “Around the Shoe” segment of The Bill and Doug Show brings together hosts Doug Lamorises and Bill Landis with NBC4 sports personalities Jared Smalley and Joe Nugent. The panel dives into Ohio State football’s hot topics: Can superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith smash the Buckeyes’ single-season touchdown record? What’s the strategic approach to Ohio State players’ Heisman campaigns? The discussion swings from statistical projections and award campaign marketing to the storytelling craft of covering Ohio State football, with a splash of TV and podcasting banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jeremiah Smith’s Run at the Ohio State TD Record

[03:14 – 10:51]

• Current Record: Terry Glenn holds the record with 17 TD catches (1995).

• Jeremiah Smith stats: 15 TDs last season, 9 already this year in just 8 games.

• Predictions:

  • Jared Smalley: Predicts 20 TDs, factoring in playoff run, defensive attention on Smith, and respect for his talent.
    “20 would be what I would guess… He is an extraordinary talent. You watch defensive coordinators… try to figure out [how to stop him], and it still doesn't work.” [03:59]

  • Joe Nugent: Conservatively projects Smith ties the record at 17, citing potential for defenses to key on him and questions around OSU’s offensive focus down the stretch. “Defenses are going to key on him… I’m going with 17.” [05:05]

  • Bill Landis: Boldest, says Smith will break the record with 21 TDs, highlighting upcoming games against weak pass defenses and OSU’s evolving pass-heavy identity. “I think we'll have a new record holder … I'll say 21 for Jeremiah Smith. … I mostly just don't think they're going to stop throwing the ball.” [06:45]

  • Doug Lamorises: On board for 20, but jokes about a theoretical 36, also wonders if a 4-TD explosion game is coming for Smith. “Are we maybe waiting for the four touchdown game, like the absolute explosion?” [09:40]

• Tactical Note: Defenses can try to scheme Smith out, but with potent options like Carnell Tate, focusing on Smith leaves others exposed. “It's a Rob Peter to pay Paul situation… If you're going to double here, you're exposed there…” – Jared [08:29]

2. Heisman Trophy Campaign Strategy for Buckeyes

[11:36 – 22:59]

• Ohio State's Promotions:

  • OSU launched dedicated Heisman websites for QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith after big wins.

• Joe Nugent: Advocates that Smith is the most deserving due to the attention he draws, benefiting teammates, and overall impact: “His presence helps everybody. He's the best player on this offense. He's probably the best offensive player in the country.” [12:10]

• Bill Landis: Recommends focusing the Heisman campaign on Smith and Sayin only (not Tate), to avoid splitting the vote: “I don't think you can promote three guys for the Heisman because then you'll just dilute the vote.” [13:12]

• Jared Smalley: Emphasizes the marketing aspect of the Heisman, stories behind branding (Theismann/Heisman), and the necessity for both on-field performance and off-field promotion. “It's a hybrid award between football performance and marketing acumen… messaging works. Then I think you get a better appreciation of how these campaigns do have a slight impact on voters.” [14:30]

• Doug Lamorises: Cites the historical precedent from USC (Leinart/Bush) and Oklahoma splitting votes; suggests prioritizing Sayin this year, setting Smith up for a solo push next season. Also, unique pitch: use Smith to advocate for Carnell Tate for the Biletnikoff Award. “I think quarterbacks… it's still a little easier to vote for a quarterback. … Next year the Heisman campaign for Jeremiah Smith starts like the day after the national title game.” [17:04]

3. Should the Heisman Be Awarded After the Playoff?

[23:59 – 28:53]

• Panel debates moving the Heisman announcement post-playoff.

  • Bill Landis: Firmly against, argues regular season awards should be distinct from postseason accolades, following other sports' models. “Every major professional sport… has separate MVPs for the regular season and the postseason… I would want to leave the door open for the remarkable seasons that happen for players who aren't on playoff teams.” [25:00]

  • Doug Lamorises: Vehemently supports moving the Heisman to include postseason results, citing confusion over what “counts” in awards versus records, logistical inertia, and the importance of truly acknowledging college football’s biggest moments. “If you're making your decision based on whether you can get the caterer to do the banquet in December… then just let someone else do the–my God, it's not a catering question.” [26:14]

  • Jared Smalley: Agrees with Landis for keeping it after the regular season, noting it allows for recognition beyond playoff teams and follows tradition in other sports. “You know, the awards in baseball are done by the 162 game resume… I see the merit of both things.” [27:12]

4. TV Teaser Showdown: How to Hype Buckeye Fans for Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers

[30:31 – 37:27]

• Hosts and guests take turns crafting “TV teasers” to promote upcoming (less daunting) games.

  • Jared Smalley:

    “To reach the top of the Big Ten, you have to climb over the bottom. A three-week stretch where resumes need padding and injuries need avoiding. Will the future hold hype, Hoosiers and Heisman next?” [33:05]

  • Joe Nugent:

    “How the Buckeyes can build an advantage in [the Michigan] game over the next three weeks.” [33:47]

  • Bill Landis:

    “These past defenses stink. Don't you want to watch Ohio State throw it all over them?” [36:42]

5. Storytelling as a Sports Reporter: Most Memorable Stories

[38:01 – 50:45]

• Each guest shares a favorite or most meaningful Ohio State (or otherwise) story:

  • Jared Smalley: Tells human stories behind the helmets, e.g., walk-on Nolan Botto’s outsized impact in the locker room, and the viral “Rufus vs. Brutus” story.

    “I want to know why that person is there, what circumstances allowed them… to arrive at that point.” [38:01]

  • Joe Nugent: “Big Nut” – The most visible Buckeye superfan, his scholarship fund, Buckeye giveaways, and school visits.

    “He doesn’t dress up as Big Nut only on game day. He goes out to these events. He brings Buckeyes with him… It kind of felt like Santa Claus in a way.” [42:17]

  • Bill Landis: Profile of Taylor Decker through his tattoos, and reporting on Larry Johnson’s high school head coaching roots via deep local sourcing.

    “I like going off the beaten path to find people that no one else on the beat is talking to.” [45:36]

  • Doug Lamorises: Finding unscripted, “off-TV” moments, like Urban Meyer inviting Zach Boren on the team walk; appreciating the payoff of curiosity and being present.

    “I'm always trying, like, I'm on the lookout for what is happening at any point in or around an Ohio State game that isn't on tv.” [47:34]

  • Jared Smalley’s Parting Reflection:

    “That is based on the entire reason that any of us do this for a living. And it's curiosity. I want to know why something works.” [49:15]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Jeremiah Smith’s Dominance:
  “He is an extraordinary talent… It’s just the amazing thing when you watch defensive coordinators… try to figure out…I’m not sure what you do with that.” – Jared [03:59]

• On Dividing Heisman Campaign Effort:
  “I don't think you can promote three guys for the Heisman because then you'll just dilute the vote.” – Bill [13:12]

• On the Value of Human Stories in Sports:
  “There is a human being under the helmet… If the story is simply person A is good at sports, that story isn't good enough.” – Jared [38:01]

• On Marketing the Heisman in Modern CFB:
  “It’s a hybrid award between football performance and marketing acumen.” – Jared [14:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jeremiah Smith’s TD Record Debate – [03:14–10:51]
• Heisman & Awards Campaign Strategy – [11:36–22:59]
• Should the Heisman Move After the Playoff? – [23:59–28:53]
• TV Teaser Segment – [30:31–37:27]
• Personal Favorite Storytelling Moments – [38:01–50:45]

Overall Tone & Dynamic

The episode is a blend of insider football analysis, statistical debate, and storytelling warmth, shot through with good-natured ribbing and a shared sense of fun. The guests and hosts offer both expertise and personality, making this an engaging listen for both diehard Buckeye fans and those interested in sports reporting craft.

For More:

• Follow Jared Smalley and Joe Nugent on NBC4 (Columbus), online and on social media.
• The Bill and Doug Show drops every Monday for more Buckeye football insight and storytelling.