COLUMBUS — Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has spent the first seven games of the season working with one of college football's most productive passing attacks. Now, with Julian Sayin sidelined indefinitely, Smith faces the challenge of preparing an offense that could look a little different when the Buckeyes return to action against USC on October 31.
Head coach Ryan Day has not announced whether true freshman Luke Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair will replace Sayin. Both quarterbacks are receiving opportunities during the bye week, and Smith has made it clear that the offense will be adjusted to take advantage of whichever player's strengths best fit the team's needs.
Smith also emphasized during Tuesday's press conference that Ohio State's expectations haven't changed. The Buckeyes remain in contention for the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff, and the coaching staff isn't treating Sayin's absence as an excuse to lower its goals.
A Different Approach to the Running Game
One of the most obvious adjustments would be to lean more heavily on the running game. Ohio State has a talented backfield led by Bo Jackson, and establishing a consistent rushing attack would take some pressure off whichever inexperienced quarterback wins the starting job. That task is complicated by injuries in the running back room, including Ja'Kobi Jackson, whose return timetable remains uncertain.
But Smith may also have an opportunity to expand the running game in a way that wasn't a major part of the offense with Sayin under center. Whether it's Fahey or St. Clair, the Buckeyes could make more use of the quarterback as a runner, forcing defenses to account for another potential ball carrier.
Quarterback draws, designed keepers, and read-option plays could become useful additions to the playbook. Even a handful of those calls could force defenders to account for the quarterback rather than focusing entirely on Jackson and the rest of Ohio State's running backs.
St. Clair has the size to present another challenge for defenders at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, while Smith has specifically mentioned his ability to extend plays. Fahey, meanwhile, has impressed the coaching staff with his preparation and understanding of the offense. He also showed some mobility against Indiana, scrambling for eight yards on his first play after replacing Sayin.
Neither quarterback has established himself as a productive college runner, so it would be premature to assume Ohio State is about to unveil a dramatically different rushing attack, not to mention the added risk of injury to an already depleted quarterback room. Still, incorporating occasional quarterback runs could give Smith another way to create favorable matchups and find yards for the offense.
Make Things Easier for the Quarterback
Another possible adjustment involves the passing game. Sayin threw for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns through seven games, numbers that reflect both his ability and the confidence the coaching staff placed in him.
Expecting Fahey or St. Clair to immediately replace that production would be unrealistic. Smith can help by incorporating shorter throws, play-action passes, and formations designed to give the quarterback straightforward reads while allowing Ohio State's playmakers to do much of the work.
That said, Jeremiah Smith remains the best player in the sport, regardless of who is throwing him the football. Finding ways to get him the ball through quick passes, screens, and other high-percentage plays could help the new quarterback settle into the offense without relying as heavily on difficult downfield throws.
The tight ends and running backs could also become more involved in the passing game, giving the quarterback additional options and making it harder for defenses to concentrate entirely on Ohio State's receivers.
A Chance to Show His Flexibility
Smith has experience designing offenses for different quarterbacks, and the coming weeks will test that ability. Fahey earned the backup position through his practice performance, while St. Clair brings the arm strength and physical tools that made him one of the nation's top quarterback recruits.
The two players have different strengths, which means Ohio State's offense could take a somewhat different direction depending on whom Day selects. The coaching staff has the bye week to evaluate both quarterbacks and determine which approach offers the best chance of success.
Ohio State doesn't need to abandon its passing game or turn into an option offense. But a stronger commitment to running the football, combined with occasional quarterback runs and a passing attack built around easier decisions, could help the Buckeyes navigate Sayin's absence.
The offense might not look quite the same against USC, but Smith has enough talent to work with. His challenge now is finding the best way to use it.
