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One of the more frustrating things about the first four games on the Ohio State schedule was how Brian Hartline was calling the game for Julian Sayin. The Ohio State offense was uber conservative, and the Buckeyes just took what the defenses gave them. While Sayin was looking good and taking advantage of the sheer talent disparities at almost every juncture, it felt like there was more to be had.
In the win over Minnesota, it became apparent that Hartline and the Ohio State offense have given the reins over to Sayin. As a result, the redshirt freshman nearly set a new personal best, led by the nation’s best WR2.
The Ohio State Offense is Just Too Much for Minnesota
*Insert Another “Super Sayin” Joke*
Sayin was finally let loose. The Ohio State offense, save for two drives, was about as good as it could have been. The game opened with a decent drive that ended up stalling at the Minnesota 35. Carnell Tate, who had a monster game, was tripped up by the turf monster on third down. He fell short of the sticks when, if he kept his feet, he could have scored.
While there is a stark contrast of talent between the Ohio State receivers and the Minnesota defensive backs (except for Koi Perich, he’s a stud), Sayin delivered at every level. On the day, the redshirt freshman completed 23-of-27 passing for 326 yards and three touchdowns. It’s the second time this year that Sayin eclipsed 300 yards (Week 2 vs Ohio).
Led by Sayin, Ohio State’s red-zone offense was significantly better. After missing the field goal on the first drive, Sayin led Ohio State to four touchdowns on four red-zone appearances. He looked more confident and was delivering strikes left and right to propel the offense forward.
He also had an NFL throw while getting destroyed by a defender:
This throw is just ridiculous, to stand in the pocket and make that throw… it's beyond impressive.
This is Julian Sayin's FIFTH start in college, he is playing at a Heisman level.
He's also shown tonight his deep ball is one of the best in America and he's only getting better pic.twitter.com/Dz0oGwLLKu
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) October 5, 2025
His deep ball has been one of the best in the country, and this game was no different. Sayin’s accuracy has always been his strength. Now, Hartline trusts him to uncork it and use his elite receivers.
WR1 Anywhere Else
Playing in the shadow of Jeremiah Smith is not for the faint-hearted. However, Carnell Tate showed, once again, why he is a probable first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
With the attention on Smith, Tate has had his opportunities this year. Against Minnesota, he had his most impressive performance. Heading into this game, the junior from Chicago had two 100-yard games under his belt. He surpassed that with plenty of time before halftime. When the starters were finally pulled, Tate hauled in nine passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.
On that touchdown, the Golden Gophers sold out to stop his running mate. Sayin faked the dive and then faked an end-around to Smith, drawing what looked like the entire defense. As a result, Tate was able to fly right by his man and was wide open for the easy score. It was such a smooth route that it even garnered a reaction from Chad Johnson, a player renowned for his route-running abilities in the NFL.
When the Buckeyes played Ohio, the game was broadcast on Peacock. The announcers speculated that Tate was a day-two pick. Tate is a first-round pick. He was then, and it’s even more evident after this performance.
Not to be outdone, Smith added 67 yards and two touchdowns to his already legendary ledger.
Silver Bullets Slay Gophers
Before we finish this one up, we would be remiss to ignore the dominance of the Ohio State defense. On the first drive, Minnesota drove down the field and kicked a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. The Golden Gophers amassed 66 yards. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota attempted another field goal, but missed. In the seven drives between the two field goal attempts, Ohio State held Minnesota to 39 yards.
The game was well in hand as the Gophers went 52 yards for the missed field goal, and then 15 yards in their final drive. In total, Ohio State held Minnesota to 162 total yards. It was averaging 405 yards per game in the four previous games.
The Ohio State defensive line has continued its dominant play. After a slow start, the unit got after Drake Lindsey. Arvell Reese managed the team’s only sack, but the pressure and collapsing pockets rattled the young Minnesota quarterback. This performance notwithstanding, Lindsey looks like he can be a special quarterback for Minnesota. Ohio State holding him to 94 yards and a 57.7% completion percentage should age nicely.
Through five games, the Matt Patricia-led defense has allowed just 25 points and only two touchdowns.
Up next is a trip to Illinois.
More must-reads:
- Penn State makes shocking, and justified, drop out of AP Top 25
- Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia gets into heated exchange with Alabama fan
- The 'MLB playoff debut strikeouts leaders' quiz
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