As the Week 1 opener against the Texas Longhorns approaches, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day announced Julian Sayin as their starting quarterback. Sayin has been spectacular in studying the offense, but reading the playbook won’t be the same as operating within it.
With the defending champions under heavy pressure from the Longhorns, Sayin will need to be versed in the offense; otherwise, the Buckeyes will struggle to even get out of the gate.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why Ryan Day’s decision to choose Julian Sayin as the team’s starting QB can misfire.
1. Fluency Gap: Mastery or Memorization
Game fluency should be essential for Julian Sayin. Whether it is responding to different shifts in coverage or being able to adjust based on what the defense gives. Offseason development of Sayin has mentioned that he does not have the experience of playing in college games. J.D. Pickell of ON3 emphasized that his decision-making process may be slow due to a lack of experience.
Not to mention, the Ohio State offense seems to have been splitting reps with the first team as the QB battle ended two weeks before the season started. Even though this game is in Columbus, a high level of cohesion in this offense will likely be key if the Buckeyes want to win the opener, and it’s not guaranteed.
2. Unreliable Preseason Appearances
There are glimpses of Julian Sayin’s arm talent and poise in fall camp snapshots, but no evidence of the rhythm the Buckeyes will likely need to have. It has been observed through reports from camp that his accuracy in shorter throws is clear, but his timing on long throws is questionable.
At the same time, Lincoln Kienholz has provided more consistent play in camp scrimmages, which seems to indicate that Day might still be entertaining the prospect of him as a viable alternative, especially in the case that game speed reveals rookie vulnerabilities in Sayin.
3. Texas Secondary Immediate Problems
Although Ryan Day might feel that Julian Sayin has the mechanisms to manage the position, his initial attempt at it is about as challenging as it can be. Texas ranked seventh in the country in passing yards per game allowed last season, with only 173.8 yards per game, and tied with the FBS lead in interceptions with 22.
The Longhorns enter Week 1 with one of the deepest defensive back units in college football after several defensive backs return, including Michael Taaffe, who is on several preseason watch lists.
Final Take
Julian Sayin gives an appetizing upside to the Buckeyes. However, he will have his work cut out for him as the preseason #1 rolls into his home stadium.
If the pressure gets too difficult for him, Ryan Day’s choice has the potential to blow up Ohio State’s title defense before it even starts.
Read More:
Ohio State Starting QB Scenario: Julian Sayin vs. Tavien St. Clair, Whom Will Ryan Day Select?
Ohio State HC Ryan Day Shares Honest Thoughts On Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz’ QB Battle
