USC vs. Ohio State Game Takes Dramatic Turn with Sayin Injury

On Halloween, the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Los Angeles to take on the No. 19 USC Trojans.

The Buckeyes, going into their game with No. 4 Indiana on Saturday, fielded the No. 1 offense and defense in college football.

That label took a big hit, literally.

Ohio State starting quarterback Julian Sayin went down with an injury to his throwing arm against the Hoosiers and left the game. He did not return.

He exited the medical tent with his right arm hanging limp to his side as he headed to the locker room. Later, he was seen on the sideline with his right arm in a sling.

According to Jake Trotter of ESPN, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in his post-game press conference that Sayin will “miss several weeks.” That means Sayin will be out against USC on Oct. 31.

Sayin led the Big Ten in passing yards per game (295) going into the matchup at Indiana.

Against the Hoosiers, Sayin completed 15-of-29 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Sayin also threw two interceptions. True freshman QB Luke Fahey replaced the injured Sayin and was 0-for-2 passing.

For the season, Fahey has seen action in just three games. He has completed nine passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The highly anticipated quarterback duel between USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and Sayin will not happen now.

Maiava was No. 2 in passing yards per game with 292 yards per game. He currently leads the Big Ten in passing yards with 2,045 and passing touchdowns with 18.

What effect this injury will have on the overall football psyche of the Buckeyes team remains to be seen.

Presumably, Fahey will get the start vs. USC after a much-needed bye week coming this week.

That could change the defensive game plan for defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and the Trojans.

Under head coach Lincoln Riley, USC has struggled against opponents ranked in the top five. The Trojans are currently 5-15 against top five opponents.

However, when a top five opponent loses their starting quarterback to injury, the odds are against continued success.

Further, the path to victory for the Trojans over Ohio State just got cleared of a big obstacle.

That has to fire up USC. By now, that confidence killer known as “doubt” has certainly creeped into the mindset of the Buckeyes.

USC owns a 13-10 record over Ohio State. The Trojans have not lost to the Buckeyes as the home team since 1974.