COLUMBUS — No. 2 Ohio State returns from its bye week Saturday night with a trip to USC and a major change at quarterback. With Julian Sayin sidelined because of a throwing-arm injury, true freshman Luke Fahey is reportedly expected to make his first collegiate start as the Buckeyes look to remain unbeaten in Big Ten play.

Ohio State (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) has won five consecutive games, most recently defeating defending national champion Indiana 19-15 on October 17. USC (6-2, 3-2) enters Saturday following a 24-7 loss at Wisconsin, its second defeat of the season.

Fahey has completed nine of 13 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in limited action this season. Head coach Ryan Day has not officially named a starter, and sophomore Tavien St. Clair could also see playing time. Whoever starts will have the benefit of an experienced group of receivers, led by Jeremiah Smith, who has 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns.

However, the running game will be the deciding factor for Ohio State. Bo Jackson leads the Buckeyes with 516 yards and four touchdowns on 107 carries, while Ja'Kobi Jackson has been ruled out with a foot injury. Establishing the run would keep Fahey and the offense ahead of the chains and allow the Buckeyes to use play-action against USC to go up top to Smith and others.

Ohio State will also have experienced offensive lineman Austin Siereveld available after he missed two games because of illness. His return gives Day more flexibility up front, although the coaching staff is still evaluating how much he can play.

Defensively, Ohio State has been among the nation's best, allowing just 13.4 points and 264.3 yards per game. The Buckeyes held Indiana to 15 points in their last outing and will face another talented quarterback in USC's Jayden Maiava, who has thrown for 2,303 yards and 19 touchdowns.

USC averages 32.8 points and 434.8 yards per game, with Maiava directing a passing attack capable of producing big plays. Running back King Miller leads the Trojans with 603 rushing yards. Ohio State's secondary could be without freshman nickelback Jay Timmons, who has been downgraded to doubtful, making the Buckeyes' ability to pressure Maiava especially important.

The Trojans struggled offensively against Wisconsin, finishing with minus-17 rushing yards and surrendering five sacks. Ohio State will look to create similar pressure while preventing USC from establishing its running game and keeping Maiava from finding a rhythm.

Saturday marks Ohio State's first visit to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 2008 and the first meeting between the programs as Big Ten opponents. The Buckeyes won their most recent meeting, defeating USC 24-7 in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.

Game Information

Prediction

Fahey will have uneven moments as he adjusts to his first collegiate start in a difficult road environment, but I expect him to settle in and make enough throws to keep the offense moving. More importantly, Ohio State's running game should take pressure off the freshman while the defense controls USC's offense. I expect the Buckeyes to pull away in the second half and win comfortably.

Ohio State 31, USC 10