Ohio State dominated Minnesota in front of a home crowd to improve to 5-0 on the season and remain the No. 1 ranked team in the country.
Ohio State didn’t just win, it detonated. The offense finally opened the throttle and rolled from the second quarter on, with the vertical game stretching Minnesota and the run game setting the tone. Bo Jackson is officially RB1, and it showed in the way the ground game finished drives and salted the clock.
Carnell Tate had himself a day, stacking chunk plays and a house call while the passing attack looked effortless and explosive. And the defense? Beyond legit. Now allowing just 5 points per game, the Buckeyes swarming in the front seven and airtight on the back end.
Put it together, and this looked like a complete team firing on schedule, with star power emerging and the identity crystalizing on both sides of the ball.
Julian Sayin: Mastering Precision and the Deep Threat
Julian Sayin has emerged as an elite quarterback through his pinpoint accuracy and impressive deep ball delivery. This season, he leads the nation with an 80.2% completion rate, consistently hitting receivers with precision on both short and long throws. Sayin’s ability to read defenses and make smart, on-time decisions has set him apart, showing maturity beyond his years.
His deep passes have been especially striking, connecting on several big plays that have stretched defenses and opened up the field for Ohio State’s offense. He is quietly having one of the best QB seasons so far in College Football.
Playmakers Shine: Tate, Smith, and Klare Step Up
On the receiving end, Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith have been crucial weapons, each having outstanding performances that highlight their chemistry with Sayin. Tate’s ability to haul in contested catches and Smith’s dynamic route running and reliable hands provide the Buckeyes with a formidable receiving duo that defenses struggle to contain. Tate having 183 yards and 1 Touchdown proved he would be wide receiver 1 on almost any other team. Smith hauled in 2 Touchdowns himself.
Tight end Max Klare has also contributed significantly, becoming an important target in critical situations and adding another dimension to the passing game that keeps defenses guessing. If these three get 25+ targets a game like they did in this game, it will be very hard to stop this explosive offense.
Defense Dominance: The Buckeyes’ Lockdown Unit
The defense continues to prove why Ohio State’s reputation is well-earned, playing at an elite level with discipline and dominance. Their stingy performance has seen them give up an average of just five points per game, suffocating opposing offenses across the board. From the relentless pressure up front to the lockdown coverage in the secondary, this unit is the real deal and a major reason the Buckeyes are viewed as a top national contender.
Their balance of aggression and smart play-calling has made it nearly impossible for opponents to find rhythm or sustain drives. Now allowing only 5 points per game, they still stand as the No. 1 scoring defense in the country. This unit is the real deal and cannot get enough praise for how they have started this year out after losing so many players.
Ohio State Solidifies Its Status as a National Powerhouse
Ohio State’s dominant performance against Minnesota was a resounding statement that this team is built for the highest level of competition. The offense opened up and showed versatility, with Bo Jackson cementing his role as the undisputed RB1, complemented by Carnell Tate’s explosive playmaking.
Julian Sayin’s elite accuracy and deep ball connection with top receivers like Tate and Smith have turned the Buckeyes into a passing powerhouse, while tight end Max Klare continues to add an important dimension to the attack. Meanwhile, the defense has proven to be beyond elite, allowing just five points per game and suffocating opponents with relentless precision and teamwork.
With both sides of the ball firing on all cylinders, Ohio State has solidified itself not just as a contender but as a true national powerhouse poised to make a serious run at the championship. Next week they travel to Illinois to take on a very experienced football team.
I’ve had the privilege of working across every corner of the sports media landscape—from covering Friday night lights as a beat writer for PrepRedzone, to reporting with the team at News Channel 4 WSMV (NBC affiliate), and diving deep into recruiting and scouting as an intern at Middle Tennessee State. During my time as a college student at MTSU, I also honed my broadcasting skills at the campus radio station, bringing live sports coverage and in-depth analysis to listeners across campus. My passion for sports runs deep, but nothing fires me up quite like Ohio State football. I can’t wait to bring my energy, experience, and Buckeye enthusiasm to this new opportunity!