COLUMBUS — Ohio State picked a good time for a bye week. The Buckeyes are 6-1, ranked third in the country, and undefeated in Big Ten play, but the injury to quarterback Julian Sayin has created serious uncertainty about where the season goes from here.
With Sayin sidelined, head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have two weeks between games to prepare the team for what could be a dramatically different offense. The Buckeyes return to action October 31 at No. 16 USC, followed by another marquee matchup against Oregon.
True freshman Luke Fahey replaced Sayin during Ohio State's 19-15 victory over Indiana and remains the frontrunner for the starting job. However, sophomore Tavien St. Clair is also receiving an opportunity to compete during the bye week, with Day expected to make his decision next week.
Fahey has the advantage after winning the backup job, but neither quarterback has much game experience. Whoever gets the start against USC will be stepping into a demanding situation.
Just as important is adjusting the offense to fit the new starter. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith cannot simply expect Fahey or St. Clair to operate the same offense Sayin ran. The Buckeyes will need to identify what their new quarterback does best and build a game plan that allows him to succeed without asking too much too soon. As we mentioned in an article yesterday, think of the offense in terms of how it looked in Sayin's first start against Texas.
That makes improving the running game another priority. Ohio State struggled to establish consistent production on the ground against Indiana, managing just 78 rushing yards on 37 attempts. The injury to running back Ja'Kobi Jackson creates another problem, while a dependable rushing attack would take pressure off the quarterback.
The bye week also provides an opportunity to get healthier. Several Buckeyes have been dealing with injuries, and having an extra week before traveling to Los Angeles could make a difference, especially along the offensive line and at running back.
Defensively, Ohio State has reason for optimism. The Buckeyes have steadily improved, particularly against the run, and held an Indiana offense that entered their matchup averaging more than 220 rushing yards per game to just 73 yards on the ground.
That defense must now lead this team. With an inexperienced quarterback taking over, the Buckeyes cannot afford to get into high-scoring contests where the offense is forced to throw its way back into games.
Ohio State still controls its path to the Big Ten Championship Game and remains firmly in the College Football Playoff picture. But with USC, Oregon, and Michigan among its remaining opponents, the Buckeyes have little room for error.
The bye week gives Day and his staff a chance to make the adjustments they need without the pressure of preparing for an immediate Saturday kickoff. How well they use that time could determine whether Ohio State remains a national championship contender or watches a promising season slip away.
