COLUMBUS — Ryan Day has dealt with high expectations throughout his time as Ohio State's head coach, but the challenge facing him over the next several weeks could be one of the toughest of his career. The Buckeyes are 6-1, undefeated in Big Ten play, and still firmly in the national championship conversation. Now Day must find a way to keep them there without his starting quarterback.
Julian Sayin's injury against Indiana changed everything. The Buckeyes escaped Bloomington with a 19-15 victory, but the loss of their starting quarterback will have a much greater impact on their season than anything that happened on the scoreboard.
Day has confirmed that Sayin is out indefinitely, with the possibility that he could miss the remainder of the season, including the postseason. That leaves Ohio State preparing for its biggest stretch of the schedule with either true freshman Luke Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair running the offense.
Neither quarterback has much experience in game situations, and both would be stepping into a difficult spot. Ohio State travels to USC on Saturday before hosting Oregon the following week, with games against Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan still to come.
Day and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have spent the bye week evaluating their options and determining how much the offense needs to change. Fahey entered the week with an advantage after winning the backup job during preseason camp, but Day has made it clear that both quarterbacks will have an opportunity.
Choosing the starter is only the beginning of the challenge.
Ohio State cannot realistically expect an inexperienced quarterback to immediately replace Sayin's production. The Buckeyes have built much of their offensive success around his ability to make accurate throws, stretch defenses, and take advantage of one of the country's most talented receiving groups.
That approach may need to change, beginning with the running game.
Ohio State rushed for just 78 yards against Indiana, an area that will have to improve if the Buckeyes hope to keep winning with an inexperienced quarterback. Bo Jackson and the offensive line must give Ohio State a reliable way to move the football without asking the new starter to carry the entire offense.
Day and Smith must also find ways to get Jeremiah Smith the football without forcing their quarterback into difficult situations. Shorter throws, quick releases, and opportunities for Smith to gain yards after the catch could help the Buckeyes continue making plays while reducing the pressure on whoever wins the job.
Perhaps most importantly, Ohio State must avoid putting its new quarterback in obvious passing situations. Third-and-long becomes a much bigger problem when the player behind center is still getting comfortable with the speed and pressure of major college football.
The Buckeyes' defense will also have to shoulder more of the responsibility. Ohio State held Indiana to just 73 rushing yards in its last game, showing that the defense is capable of slowing a quality opponent. Similar performances will be necessary if the offense struggles to find its footing.
The good news for Day is that Ohio State has enough talent throughout its roster to remain competitive. The defense has improved, the running game has shown promise at times, and the receiving corps remains one of the best in the country.
But having talent and finding a way to win with it are two different things.
How well Day handles the adjustment to a new quaterback could determine whether Ohio State remains a national championship contender or not.
