What I’m still thinking about after the Buckeyes’ first three games

Julian Sayin 

Just three games into his collegiate career, redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin already looks poised to join the ranks of Buckeye greats. Against Ohio, for example, Sayin threw for 347 yards, the most of any OSU quarterback since C.J. Stroud threw for 348 against Georgia in the 2022 Peach Bowl. 

He hasn’t played perfect football, but it’s easy to chalk his interceptions and a few missed reads up to inexperience. In fact, perhaps what most sets him apart is his composure in the face of mistakes. 

Against Texas, juxtaposed against a clearly rattled Arch Manning, Sayin looked like a true leader. It doesn’t hurt that he has a wealth of receiving targets, either. Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have logged 315 and 219 yards, respectively, and Sayin has looked confident in his ability to connect with these guys down the field. As Sayin continues to grow with experience, these Big Three are going to be a real danger to opposing defenses unless someone can come up with an answer quickly. 

Sayin is also benefiting from good offensive line protection. In three games, the O-Line has allowed only one sack, and Sayin has had plenty of time to find an open receiver and get rid of the ball. 

The biggest area of concern for them right now is the red zone offense. Against the Bobcats, the Buckeyes only converted two redzone trips into touchdowns, and while most of this was the result of poor execution, it’s not something they can afford to continue heading into Big Ten play. 

Sayin will get his first test on the road this weekend, but if he can find a way to connect with his receivers consistently in the red zone, this offense might have what it takes to steamroll right past their competition throughout conference play. 

The defense

Much has been written about the level of turnover the Silver Bullets saw coming into this season. From several key starters leaving for the NFL to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles heading to Penn State, there were some questions about how this defense would compare to last year’s national championship team.

We needn’t have worried. Matt Patricia’s scheme has been stellar, and several players have stepped up in a big way, including Arvell Reese, who has looked unbelievable through three. 

As the Buckeyes head to Washington this weekend, they’ll face arguably their toughest test to date in a hostile road environment: The Huskies boast a dynamic offense led by dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr., along with wide receiver Denzel Boston and running back Jonah Coleman. 

OSU’s defense has its work cut out for it, as managing this trio will be no walk in the park. Still, this defense has continued to deliver, ranking No. 2 in the nation in points allowed (just 5.3 per game) and continuing last season’s exceptional red zone defense (OSU has held opponents to 0-for-4 in the red zone, making them the only team in the country who have not allowed a point in the red zone this year). 

Look to Reese to play a key role in containing Williams as the defense gets tested by fire. 

The rest of the Big Ten landscape 

After making short work of No. 9 Illinois last weekend, Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers seem to be a legitimate threat this year. The question now is how much of a threat they are to Oregon and Penn State, both of whom have to face Indiana this season. 

We’ll get a better feel for how good the Ducks and the Nittany Lions are this weekend when they face off in Happy Valley, but the Hoosiers looked dominant enough in their 63-10 victory that we should keep an eye on them as a contender for the Big Ten Championship. 

Earlier this season, I predicted Oregon would beat Penn State but Penn State would beat the Buckeyes, setting the Buckeyes up to be the first team to make the National Championship (which I do think OSU will do) without even playing for their conference title. Because of the way the schedule shakes out, of the four big contenders, OSU really only has to play Penn State, while the other three teams all have to play each other. 

This could very well toss a grenade into my predictions, as it gives OSU the most favorable path to the Big Ten Championship game.