Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State coach Ryan Day has sent a message to freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who will start his career on Saturday against Texas' third-place Buckeyes, the highest-ranked Texas state.
“Win,” Day said Tuesday. “Find a way to win.”
All eyes were focused on Sayin and New Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning during the showdown at Ohio Stadium. It was a rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff semifinals, when both players watched from the outside, Will Howard and Ohio State eliminated Quinn Ewers and Texas on their way to winning the national championship.
Ohio State's Julian Sayin tried 12 passes last season and he will play No. 1 against Texas on Saturday. Coach Ryan Day's quarterback advice? “Just win.” Adam Cairns-Imagn image
Sayin and Manning are both five-star recruits who graduated from high school. Last season, Manning started two games at Austin when Ewers was injured. Sayin tried the pass only 12 times last year.
Day said the Buckeyes didn’t make “crazy expectations” about Senin, who beat Lincoln Kienholz to nod.
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“Take the ball. … If you need to throw it away, throw it away.” Day said of his discussion with Sayin for Saturday. “Don't worry about anything other than winning the game. That's the most important thing – that's the quarterback's job.”
Ohio State will make its debut with eight new starters after losing to the NFL on most of last season’s championship defense. Day said facing Manning will pose a “huge” challenge to the reformed defense.
“Sports; a big, strong arm; smart smart; quick release; accurate – all of the above,” said Dai Manning. “I mean, he checked every box.”