As we hit the halfway point of the college football season, talk of Heisman candidates naturally heats up. Names have come and gone atop the list, but this week Julian Sayin made his statement loud and clear — launching himself squarely into the thick of the race. Coming into the game, Wisconsin boasted one of the nation’s better rushing defenses, meaning Ohio State’s game plan was expected to lean heavily on the passing attack. Sayin embraced that challenge — and delivered his best performance of the season.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
The freshman quarterback completed 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to scores on six of their eight offensive drives. The only two drives that didn’t end in points included a missed field goal. Sayin spread the ball around to ten different receivers, showing command and poise as he hit targets on short, intermediate, and deep routes with precision.
Ohio State’s opening possession set the tone. The Buckeyes marched 89 yards in nine plays, capped by a 33-yard touchdown strike to Carnell Tate. Tate has been one of the breakout stars of the season, rapidly climbing draft boards as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. He finished the day with six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Jeremiah Smith continued his strong sophomore campaign as well, catching nine passes for 97 yards, further solidifying himself as one of the most reliable playmakers in college football despite facing constant defensive attention. While Sayin and the offense stole the headlines, Ohio State’s defense once again proved why it might be the best in the country. The Buckeyes earned their second shutout of the season, blanking Wisconsin 34–0 and holding the Badgers to just 144 total yards.
Photo Cred: The Spun
Through seven games, Ohio State’s defense has been historically dominant — allowing an average of just 5.8 points per game. That’s less than a touchdown per contest. Despite losing their defensive coordinator and eight starters to the NFL Draft last year, the Buckeyes have seamlessly reloaded and look as strong as ever. Now sitting undefeated, Ohio State heads into its second bye week of the season riding high and full of confidence.
Up next is a matchup that once looked like one of the biggest games of the year — a home clash with Penn State. However, the Nittany Lions’ season has unraveled. They’ve lost four straight games, three to unranked opponents, and recently fired head coach James Franklin. Still, the Buckeyes are taking nothing for granted. With two weeks to prepare, they’ll look to defend home turf and continue their march toward the College Football Playoff — and perhaps, a Heisman Trophy for Julian Sayin.
