Sayin Shines as No. 1 Ohio State Crushes Minnesota 42-3

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin showed why he’s quickly becoming one of the nation’s most efficient passers, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns to lead the top-ranked Buckeyes to a dominant 42-3 win over Minnesota on Saturday night.

Head coach Ryan Day expanded the redshirt freshman’s responsibilities during practice this week — and Sayin delivered.

“Julian is playing with more confidence, and we wanted to put more on his plate,” Day said. “When you can be accurate underneath and also push the ball downfield, that’s when our offense really starts to click.”

Sayin completed 23 of 27 passes, notching his third 300-yard game in five starts. He connected on four throws of 31+ yards and maintained near-flawless command throughout the game.

“We had a great game plan, and it all just clicked,” Sayin said. “We’re not where we want to be yet as an offense, but we’re growing every day.”

Receiver Carnell Tate was Sayin’s favorite deep target, hauling in nine catches for a career-high 183 yards and a touchdown. He had seven receptions for 163 yards by halftime, including a 44-yard score to put the Buckeyes up 21-3 in the second quarter.

“Julian’s ball placement is elite,” Tate said. “He’s stepping up in the pocket, taking hits, and just keeps getting better.”

Jeremiah Smith added two touchdown receptions, while CJ Donaldson, Bo Jackson, and Lincoln Kienholz each ran in scores for the Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten).

Defensively, Ohio State continues to impress. The Buckeyes held Minnesota (3-2, 1-1) without a touchdown, marking their second such performance this season. It’s the first time since 1979 that Ohio State has held five consecutive opponents to 10 points or fewer.

Minnesota opened the game with a 13-play, 66-yard drive capped by a 27-yard field goal from Brady Denaburg. After that, the Gophers’ offense was stifled, gaining just 35 total yards on their next seven drives — including five three-and-outs.

“They adjusted very quickly,” said Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey, who completed 15 of 26 passes for 94 yards. “That next drive, it was a completely different defense.”

The Buckeyes missed a 53-yard field goal on their opening possession but responded with touchdowns on their next three drives to take control of the game.

“Some nights you just get your butt kicked, and we got our butt kicked,” said Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck. “They dominated all three phases.”

Takeaways:

• Minnesota: Now 3-6 in road openers under Fleck, and for the second straight visit to Ohio Stadium, the Gophers failed to reach the end zone.
• Ohio State: Showed poise after a slow start and maintained their No. 1 form in a week full of upsets across college football.

Up Next:

• Minnesota: Hosts Purdue next Saturday.
• Ohio State: Travels to No. 22 Illinois for a Big Ten clash.