Inside Carnell Tate’s superb catch for Ohio State football and the interesting backstory to it

MADISON, Wis. — Carnell Tate’s 100th career reception for Ohio State football may have been his best.

On a third-and-11 play in Wisconsin territory Saturday, OSU quarterback Julian Sayin started by looking to his right. He then shifted his attention, and his body as the pocket collapsed, to the left.

The sophomore uncorked a pass of more than 40 air yards toward the middle of the end zone. There, Tate jumped over two defenders and emerged with the ball despite his helmet being ripped off, giving the Buckeyes their first score en route to a 34-0 victory .

“That was a really great catch,” coach Ryan Day said postgame . “That’s an All-American catch. For him to make a play like that early in the game set the tone.”

Where is Ohio State football on Stephen Means’ AP Top 25 ballot