Ohio State Can – And Will – Make College Football Playoff Despite Injury
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Ohio State has enough talent around any quarterback to still contend for the national championship.
Ohio State football is bigger than one player.
That being said, the Buckeyes are going to need to adjust in the wake of losing starting quarterback Julian Sayin.
Sayin was a perfect option at the position. He possesses a strong arm, a good understanding of the offense and a knack for finding Jeremiah Smith.
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Ryan Day, the head coach for the Buckeyes, informed the media that Sayin will be lost through the postseason. The burden of leading Ohio State now falls onto the shoulders of Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair.
Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist a year ago, was injured in a big win over defending national champion Indiana this past Saturday. He has completed over 71 percent of his passes this year, throwing for almost 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
Luke Fahey Likely Gets The First Crack At Replacing Julian Sayin
In terms of experience, Fahey is ahead of St. Clair.
The freshman from California has thrown 13 passes this year, completing nine for 203 yards and two touchdowns. He was the one Day went to when Sayin went down vs. Indiana.
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Despite not completing either of his pass attempts, he also did nothing wrong. The Buckeyes survived, and now, thanks to being on a bye, have ample time to prepare him for USC.
St. Clair, a sophomore from Ohio, is 5-for-9 in his career, including all five completions this season for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Whether Fahey Or St. Clair, Jeremiah Smith Will Be The Key
No matter if it is Fahey or St. Clair that Ohio State’s coaching staff decides on, or both for that matter, getting the ball to Smith is the key.
The Heisman frontrunner, Smith is a difference maker on the field.
The junior has caught 52 passes for 984 yards, scoring 12 touchdowns. He is tied for the NCAA lead in receptions, second in yards and second in touchdowns.
Smith went over 200 receiving yards with six total touchdowns in wins over Illinois and Iowa, settling for 93 vs. Maryland and 68 vs. Indiana. But his touchdown catch vs. the Hoosiers changed the momentum of the contest.
Look for the Buckeyes to find ways to get Smith the ball outside of just deep throws. That will keep Fahey or St. Clair from feeling the pressure that comes with being QB1 at The Ohio State University.
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