Julian Sayin, Ohio State’s star quarterback, is officially out for “several weeks” after going down with an injury late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s gritty 19-15 road win over #5 Indiana. This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a massive hit to the #4 Buckeyes’ dreams of a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.
The Big Hit and a Tough Road Ahead
Man, you hate to see it. Sayin took a huge hit against Indiana, leaving the field in the fourth quarter and returning to the sideline with a sling on his right arm. Head coach Ryan Day wasn’t specific about the injury details, but confirming “several weeks” out is a gut punch, no doubt. Now, the offense pivots to freshman backup Luke Fahey, who went 0-for-2 passing after Sayin left the game. They’ve also got sophomore quarterbacks Tavien St. Clair and Kolton Stover on the roster, but Fahey looks like the guy for now.
The Buckeyes are sitting pretty at 6-1 after that big road win, which gives them a bit of breathing room for a playoff spot. But don’t get it twisted, their schedule ahead is no joke. They’ve got a well-timed bye week next week, which is huge for regrouping. But after that? They’re on the road against #19 USC on October 31. Then they host Oregon and #25 Northwestern in back-to-back weeks. That’s a brutal stretch, and doing it without your starting QB is gonna be a massive challenge. To contend for a national championship, they’re gonna need Sayin back, but in the meantime, they’ll have to lean hard on that dominant defense and what’s being called an improved rushing attack from last year. Can they pull it off?
Jeremiah Smith’s Heisman Hunt Just Got Wild
This injury also throws a wrench into the Heisman Trophy race, especially for Ohio State’s star wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith. The guy has been an absolute frontrunner, putting up ridiculous numbers through the first six weeks of the season. Against Indiana alone, he snagged four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. His season totals are just insane: 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. But now, with a freshman backup throwing him the ball, Smith is going to have to maintain that incredible pace, maybe even elevate it, if he wants to keep his Heisman campaign alive. It’s a huge test for him, and for Fahey, to try and keep that connection firing.
So, what’s next? Ohio State gets their bye week, a crucial time to rally. After that, it’s straight into the fire against USC. Every snap, every drive, every defensive stop is going to matter big time for the Buckeyes now. Can they hold it together until Sayin gets back? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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