Jeremiah Smith keeps turning Ohio State games into history lessons.

The junior receiver became the Big Ten's all-time leader in receiving yards on Saturday as the Buckeyes beat Northwestern 28-19 at Ohio Stadium to snap a two-game losing streak.

Smith finished with 11 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets.

The record falls early

Smith broke the mark on a 22-yard catch and run late in the first quarter. That pushed him past former Purdue receiver John Standeford, who piled up 3,788 receiving yards over four seasons from 2000 to 2003.

Smith did it in less than three seasons. He now has 3,875 career receiving yards, which is also the most by any FBS receiver in his first three years of college football. Western Michigan's Corey Davis held that mark with 3,785.

More marks along the way

His fourth-quarter touchdown was the 42nd of his career. That set the FBS record for touchdown catches in a player's first three seasons, passing the 41 by Stedman Bailey, Dwayne Jarrett and Davone Bess.

Smith already owned the Big Ten career record for touchdown catches. He passed Michigan great Braylon Edwards, who had 39, two weeks ago at USC.

It was also the 17th 100-yard game of his career, tying Edwards and Purdue's David Bell for the most in Big Ten history.

Fahey finds his star

Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey threw three touchdown passes and 201 yards. He took over after Julian Sayin hurt his arm in the October win at Indiana. His connection with Smith keeps growing.

Bo Jackson ran for 114 yards and a score as Ohio State improved to 7-3.

A big season gets bigger

Smith now has 80 catches for 1,317 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He is Ohio State's career leader in receiving yards, touchdown catches and receptions with 243.

He is widely projected as a top pick in next year's NFL draft and is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.