Overview

• Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week after going 18-for-19 for 306 yards and four touchdowns against Grambling State.
• Sayin opened the game with a school-record 16 straight completions and hit Jeremiah Smith for an 87-yard score, the second-longest pass play in program history.
• Pro Football Focus graded defensive tackle Kayden McDonald a team-best 93.6, and freshman linebacker Riley Pettijohn flashed with two tackles, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and a scoop-and-score.
• Ohio State targeted five tight ends in the win, a program record, with Will Kacmarek and Jelani Thurman scoring and the position group helping account for 377 receiving yards.
• Ryan Day said late-game reps were intentional and noted broad staff input on play-calling as the Buckeyes prepare for Ohio, which is coming off an upset of West Virginia.