It had been an easy journey for Ohio State Buckeyes' quarterback Julian Sayin in 2025. Or, he just made it look that way from Week 2 until Week 13, as he carved defenses up with ease, propelled the Buckeyes to the top ranking in the country, and catapulted himself into the Heisman conversation.

The last question that he needed to answer was how he responds to adversity. When his back is against the wall, how would Sayin respond in that situation? 

Luckily, we got our answer in Week 14 against the Michigan Wolverines. 

Sayin is usually surgically accurate right out of the gate, but not on Saturday. His first ball was a deep shot to wideout Carnell Tate, but was poked away by a Wolverines' defender. Throw number two was intended for star receiver Jeremiah Smith, and it was picked off on a nice play in Michigan's secondary.

Everyone in Columbus thought, "oh no, here we go again."

In the words of the great Lee Corso, not so fast my friend.

Despite facing his first bit of adversity in his young career, Sayin responded in impressive fashion. Trailing 6-0 with the snow starting to fall, Sayin completed 15 of his next 17 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. 

That's how you respond.

Instant Analysis: The Ohio State Buckeyes DOMINATE The Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor THE GAME is finally back in the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 2025 Buckeyes led by Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Bo Jac...

In addition to his excellent play after the interception, the polished playmaker sprinkled in every type of throw you could ask for from a quarterback. He checked it down when necessary, stretched the field, and he made big-time throws in "got to have it" situations.

None of his throws, however, were bigger than his 4th and 5, 35-yard touchdown to Smith that put the Buckeyes back in front.

Saturday was the day that everyone had been waiting to see from the young star. He has looked great when it has been easy all year long. In Ann Arbor, the chips were down, it was time for him to show up.

The result was Ohio State's first win against Michigan since 2018 and he was the guy to get it done.

Sayin finished the day completing 19 of his 26 attempts for 233 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

It wasn't a perfect game for Julian, but it was darn good. The coach in me is coming through because while he was great on Saturday, he has to be better in the last four games of the season.

Sayin's Michigan Grade: B+

Any game that has an interception in it can't be an A in my book, but he did everything in his power to make up for it. He was so good on Saturday, and the Buckeyes should be confident that if things don't get off to a good start, Sayin has the ability to make it right by the end of the contest. 

Buckle up for a fun postseason.