
Ohio State rolls past Penn State with an impressive offensive performance. Julian Sayin’s Heisman candidacy is picking up steam.
Julian Sayin delivered a performance fitting for a Heisman candidate as Ohio State cruised to a 38-14 win over Penn State. The young quarterback was nearly flawless, completing 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns, consistently attacking with his deep ball and keeping the Nittany Lions’ defense on edge.
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate each had huge games, with Smith catching six passes for 123 yards and two scores, and Tate adding five receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown, helping the Buckeyes build their lead.
Whenever Penn State’s defense, led by Jim Knowles, tried to adjust, Ohio State’s offense answered with precision. On the other side, the Buckeye defense locked down when needed. In the 2nd half, the defense ensured Ohio State never lost momentum against its Big Ten rival.
Julian Sayin’s Heisman-Caliber Mastery
Julian Sayin turned in another exceptional performance at quarterback, solidifying his status as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy. Sayin completed 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns, posting a completion rate close to 87 percent. His decision-making and deep ball accuracy kept Penn State’s defense off balance from start to finish, further demonstrating why he leads the nation in completion percentage and why the Buckeyes are the favorite to repeat as national champions.
He is on pace to have the College Football record in completion percentage for a season. Sayin’s ability to carve up defenses with both touch and arm strength continues to redefine Ohio State’s offensive identity this season.
Explosive Weapons Propel Ohio State Offense
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate both had outstanding performances, further showcasing their status as two of the best wide receivers in college football. Smith caught six passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed grab off a tipped ball. For all of the football nerds, he beat Cover 4 on the one deep ball. Tate added five receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown, marking his fourth 100-yard game of the season.
Their ability to stretch the field and command defenses’ attention opens up space for the rest of the offense. Bo Jackson contributed significantly on the ground, providing a strong running presence that keeps defenses honest and complements the passing attack. The combination of these weapons makes Ohio State’s offense incredibly difficult to defend, as they skillfully balance explosive plays in the air with sustained success on the ground. Impressively, the Buckeyes only punted once all game, underscoring their offensive efficiency and control.
Defensive Leaders Shine in Buckeyes’ Victory
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese led Ohio State’s defense with standout performances in the win over Penn State. Styles recorded six total tackles, including two tackles for loss, showing his disruptive ability in the backfield. Reese continued his strong play, flying all around the field, and finished with 12 total tackles. Reese also had a very impressive sack against an NFL-caliber offensive Tackle.
Edge Kenyatta Jackson and Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald also had big games, with Jackson contributing key tackles and pressure on the quarterback. At the same time, McDonald clogged up the middle and was constantly in the backfield. The defense’s collective effort was vital in limiting Penn State’s scoring opportunities and maintaining control throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Ohio State now prepares for its next challenge as it maintains an undefeated record through eight games. With a dominant win over Penn State reinforcing their position, all eyes turn to Tuesday when the College Football Playoff committee will release their latest rankings.
This announcement will provide a clearer picture of where the Buckeyes stand nationally after establishing themselves as a powerhouse with strong performances on both offense and defense. The team’s continued focus and execution will be critical as they aim to secure a top seed and build momentum heading into the crucial stretch of the season.

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!