A matchup that was supposed to feature two Heisman-level quarterbacks may be heading toward a very different look when Oregon travels to Columbus on Nov. 7.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin left early in the Buckeyes’ road win over Indiana and later showed up on the sideline with a sling on his right arm. Afterward, coach Ryan Day said Sayin will be out for “several weeks,” a development that puts his status for the Oregon game in serious doubt.
That matters because Ohio State has a tricky stretch before Oregon arrives. The Buckeyes are headed into a bye week, then turn around to face USC on Halloween. It’s a tough two-game run, and they may have to get through both with Luke Fahey, a freshman quarterback and former three-star recruit.
Fahey has had only a small role so far this season. In mop-up duty, he has thrown two touchdowns and two interceptions. Against Indiana, he didn’t complete either of his passes in the fourth quarter, though he did pick up eight yards on a scramble and drew a late-hit flag that set up an Ohio State first down.
The Buckeyes can make a young quarterback’s life easier with Jeremiah Smith outside and freshman Chris Henry Jr. also making plays. Still, if Oregon ends up facing Fahey, the Ducks could look to press that inexperience, especially with their defensive line playing better lately.
There’s also a wrinkle on Oregon’s side. The Ducks will need to keep winning for the game to carry the weight many expected, but if they come into Columbus on a run, they could have Dante Moore back for the matchup. If not, Oregon would likely turn to Brock Thomas, the senior walk-on who is set to start Saturday against Nebraska, or Dylan Raiola at quarterback.
For now, Sayin’s recovery is the story to watch as that Nov. 7 trip gets closer. Oregon hosts Nebraska on Saturday night at 8 p.m. PT.
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Oregon's Playoff Path Now Depends On Games Ducks Fans Never Wanted
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Ohio State, Indiana, Notre Dame, BYU, Wisconsin and UCLA all enter the picture as Oregon tries to stay in the hunt for both a playoff berth and a shot at the Big Ten title. It is the kind of October and November scenario Ducks fans wanted to avoid, but the reality is clear now: Oregon can still shape its fate, yet it also needs the right breaks from a slate of games that could reshape the whole race. [Read more 🡒]