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Ohio State's Julian Sayin Ready for First College Start

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin will make his first college start on Saturday when the No. 3 Buckeyes host top-ranked Texas. Sayin, a sophomore, has been impressing coaches with his growth, particularly in becoming more of a leader. With the Buckeyes looking to defend their College Football Playoff championship, Sayin's performance will be crucial. Coach Ryan Day is keeping the message simple, focusing on winning the game, and has been impressed with Sayin's preseason improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Julian Sayin, a sophomore quarterback, will make his first college start on Saturday against top-ranked Texas.
  • Sayin has been impressing coaches with his growth, particularly in becoming more of a leader.
  • Coach Ryan Day has been challenged to have command of the game plan and has seen significant improvement in Sayin's competency.
  • Sayin is the fifth quarterback under Day to make his first start, joining Dwayne Haskins (2018), Justin Fields (2019), C.J. Stroud (2021), and Kyle McCord (2023).
  • The four previous quarterbacks averaged 3,927 yards, 40 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 68.9% completion rate.
  • Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, an AP Preseason All-America pick, will need to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
  • The Ohio State offense will have a new play-caller with Brian Hartline taking over as the sole coordinator.
  • Coach Day still has veto power but wants to encourage back-and-forth discussion with his staff.

Statistics:

  • Julian Sayin took 27 snaps in four games last season, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown.
  • The four previous quarterbacks under Coach Day averaged:

+ 3,927 yards

+ 40 touchdowns

+ 6 interceptions

+ A 68.9% completion rate

  • Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith was held to one catch for 3 yards in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Sources:

  • AP College Football: COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Coach Ryan Day is trying to keep the message simple for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin before his first college start on Saturday, when the No. 3 and defending College Football Playoff champion Buckeyes host top-ranked Texas. "The message is just to win, find a way to win," Day said on Tuesday.
  • AP: One player who will need to have a better game against Texas is wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The AP Preseason All-America pick was held to one catch for 3 yards — both season lows — in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

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