Julian Sayin proud to see Buckeyes’ offense clicking on all cylinders

IOWA CITY, Iowa — After generating 484 yards on one of the nation’s best defenses in last Saturday’s road win, Ohio State’s quarterback believes the offense is just starting to crack the surface.

Julian Sayin lit up Iowa’s secondary like a Christmas tree with his arm strength, and accuracy, and he played with poise the entire game. Kinnick Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, but the sold out crowd didn’t rattle Sayin. He led the Buckeyes on two touchdown drives in the first half, and unleashed an aerial assault that featured wideout Jeremiah Smith.

Sayin targeted the All-American 15 time throughout the afternoon, and connected on 11 of those attempts. The gunslinger’s supporting cast didn’t disappoint either, especially in the backfield. Running backs Ja’Kobi Jackson, and Bo Jackson combined for 142 yards, kept the Hawkeyes on their toes and took some of the pressure off Sayin.

Not only did the Buckeyes average 6.5 yards per play, but they also produced 25 first downs, and converted six of their eight third down attempts. Sayin is glad to see that everything is starting to gel as Ohio State navigates through the Big Ten play. However, Iowa didn’t make anything easy on Sayin, and sacked him four times.

“They’re a good opponent, a lot of respect for them, because they made it tough on me, whether it’s getting their hands up in the passing lane, or sending pressure,” Sayin said. “So they did a good job, but I think our offensive line played well, they did a really good job up front of keeping me clean.”

Sayin completed 20 of his 27 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. It was also Sayin’s third game this season of passing for at least three touchdowns and no interceptions, and second in conference play. The Californian currently leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency, completion percentage and passing yards per game. Ohio State (4-1) also ranks first in the league in total offense.

Still, Sayin understands that there’s plenty of room for improvement. Smith is the headliner of the offense, but Sayin has other weapons in his arsenal. Devon McCuin has established himself as the No. 2 receiver, and scored Ohio State’s first touchdown against the Iowa. Sayin wants to work on the little things that’ll help the offense in the clutch, like executing at a high level after the two-minute warning.

He orchestrated an impressive nine-play, 84-yard touchdown drive right before halftime, that took 96 seconds off the clock and gave the Buckeyes an 11-point lead. Sayin intends on building off that success, and the ability to score down the stretch when necessary.

“I think it’s just everyone kind of doing their job, and clicking, we worked that in practice, especially on Sundays,” he said. “We just try to get better, and keep improving it, because those are big spots in the game, big situations that we want to get points before the half.”

Great quarterbacks make others around them better, and Sayin’s confidence rubs off on his teammates. With Maryland up next for No. 5 Ohio State, Sayin is anticipating the offense is going to turn it up a notch. Everyone wants to contribute, and Saying is going to do his best to distribute the ball accordingly.

The Buckeyes are ready to make some noise, and October is a time where the weak separates from the strong. Sayin feels the sky’s the limit for the offense, and the unit is eager to make another statement in week six.

“Just the energy, the confidence, just bringing the juice that you see other guys making plays, and people get excited for them.”