Jaxon Smith-Njigba's return from a hamstring injury was cut short in the second quarter on Saturday, but Ryan Day claims the decision to pull the star receiver was always a part of the plan.
According to Day, Smith-Njigba was on a "pitch count" against Iowa, leading to his early exit from the Buckeyes' 54-10 win over the Hawkeyes. The third-year wideout made his debut in the contest and started in the slot for Ohio State, but he abruptly left the game after appearing to tweak his leg on a downfield route midway through the second frame.