Julian Sayin gave Buckeye Nation just what they wanted in Ohio State’s blowout win over Grambling State
Just what everyone wanted to see from Ohio State’s QB1.
Coming off a win against the Texas Longhorns, the Ohio State Buckeyes finally had a step down in competition for the first time in quite a while. Ohio State had played five straight games against teams ranked in the top 10 dating back to last season. In Week 2, the Buckeyes hosted Grambling State and came away with a decisive victory in Columbus by a score of 70-0.
Last week against Texas, Ohio State didn’t air it out offensively as much as they could have, instead leaning on tough defense and a conservative approach. After the game, head coach Ryan Day explained that the staff didn’t want to put too much on Julian Sayin’s plate in his debut. Against Grambling State, however, the Buckeyes opened things up, and Sayin showed what he can do.
Ohio State QB Julian Sayin shines in Week 2
Sayin was nearly flawless, finishing 18-of-19 passing for 306 yards and four touchdowns. His lone incompletion came on an interception in the end zone — a throw he’d like to have back. Aside from that, the sophomore quarterback was lights out in his first real opportunity to let it rip.
What stood out most was the way he operated. The former five-star recruit was on time, accurate, and consistently stretched the field. Sayin’s first touchdown was a 47-yard strike down the middle to tight end Will Kacmarek. He later connected with Jeremiah Smith on an 87-yard catch-and-run touchdown and added another to Smith from nine yards out. Carnell Tate also hauled in his second score of the season on a 13-yard grab while falling back in the end zone.
With the game well in hand, No. 1 Ohio State rotated in Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair during the second half. After managing things efficiently but not posting gaudy numbers against Texas, Sayin delivered the kind of performance fans were waiting to see. The Buckeyes were heavily favored against Grambling, but getting the passing game rolling — and seeing Sayin look so comfortable — was exactly what many wanted to see thus week.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Ryan Day gets real honest on why the Ohio State Buckeyes are starting one transfer over an expected starter
It was a big decision for Ohio State.
