No. 1 Ohio State went on the road and beat Washington 24-6 on Saturday afternoon behind an efficient offense led by the Julian Sayin-Jeramiah Smith combo and a bend-but-don’t-break defense that bore down in the red zone and amassed six sacks.
Sayin made clutch, accurate and timely throws, ultimately finishing 22-of-28 for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
That score went to superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for 18 yards on 3rd-and-11 late in the second quarter to give OSU a 6-3 lead. Smith finished the day with eight catches for 81 yards.
The running game also churned out key yards, with backs Bo Jackson (17 carries, 80 yards) and CJ Donaldson (nine carries, 39 yards) leading the way. Donaldson also scored twice (one rushing, one receiving).
Jackson in particular had a huge 16-yard run on 3rd-and-17 in the fourth quarter to set up a Donaldson four-yard touchdown catch that gave OSU a 23-6 lead to put this one away.
On defense, the Buckeyes allowed Washington to gain chunks of yards through the air and on the ground.
However, their red zone defense was tremendous. Washington had a 1st-and-goal from the two-yard line in the first quarter but lost eight yards and kicked a 28-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
In the third quarter, Washington had a 1st-and-goal from the seven-yard line but lost three yards, in part because of a clutch Kayden McDonald sack.
They were forced to kick another 28-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 14-6.
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. did complete 18-of-22 passes for 173 yards, but the six sacks set the offense back. Running back Jonah Coleman led the offense with 96 yards from scrimmage.
OSU did have a few things go its way.
Up 3-0, Washington opted to go for a fake field goal instead of a real attempt from 45 yards, and the ensuring attempt failed miserably.
Ohio State also benefited from a questionable roughing the passer call in the third quarter.
If it hadn’t been called, OSU would have faced a 3rd-and-19 from the Washington 33-yard line. Instead, OSU got a first down and eventually scored a touchdown on a one-yard Donaldson run.
That being said, the better team clearly won this game. Sayin and his wide receivers were a problem all game, particularly attacking the sidelines for key gains.
The defense also got it done when needed most.
Fans and analysts were impressed with the efforts of multiple Buckeyes, including Sayin, Smith, Jackson and the defense as a whole.
Ohio State will return to Columbus to face Minnesota on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
