SEATTLE, WA — Thanks to an efficient performance from quarterback Julian Sayin and a stout defensive effort, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes passed their first big road test with flying colors in a 24-7 win at Washington.
Washington, which has a 22-game home win streak, the second longest in the country, welcomed their longtime Rose Bowl rivals from the Midwest, and new conference members to Seattle in a sea of Husky purple and Buckeye scarlet.
For the Buckeyes, this was supposed to have been their first big road test.
Outside the friendly confines of The Horseshoe and 2,400 miles away from Columbus, the Buckeyes more than made themselves at home on the shores of Lake Washington.
Thanks to Sayin’s efficient game management in completing 22-of-28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdown passes to WR Jeremiah Smith and RB CJ Donaldson Jr, the Buckeyes all but corralled the supposed high-octane Washington attack to two field goals.
While it was a slow start for the defending national champions, as well as a uncharacteristic fumble in a punt return by receiver Brandon Inniss that gave the Huskies the ball back on the Buckeyes 21-yards-line and ultimately a 3-0 lead.
After that, that was when the Buckeyes and Sayin began to settle in and take control. After a 18-yard touchdown reception to Smith to give the Buckeyes the lead for good at 7-3, Sayin would come out in the second half and completing 12 straight passes before Donaldson would extend the Buckeye lead to 14-3.
After a 28-yard field goal from Grady Gross to cut the deficit to 14-6, Ohio State, thanks to Sayin would extend the lead to 24-6 on the strength of a Jayden Fielding 34-yard field goal and a one-yard touchdown reception from Sayin to Donaldson.
What is quickly becoming a story and player to watch is the emergence of DE Caden Curry, who is quickly emerging into a one-man wrecking crew on a tough Buckeyes defense.
Curry, a 6’3 260-pound standout out of Center Grove High, recorded three sacks and nine tackles in helping keeping Huskies dual-threat Demond Williams Jr. in check.
If this was considered an early test for the defending champs, then not only did they ace it, but showed that may finally be able to solve their biggest puzzle, that is still looming and waiting for them in Ann Arbor.
For now, the Buckeyes can rest easy in knowing that they have an effective quarterback under center in Sayin, and a formidable defense that can smother anyone, as they have allowed 5.5 points in four games so far.
While this year’s offense isn’t as formidable and loaded as last year’s, it appears to be in transition and will eventually find its footing.
The defense, led by three-time Super Bowl champion defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and having the likes of linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs and the forementioned Curry look borderline special and even dare I say, historic.
They made their case again out in the Pacific Northwest, and now have a chance to really write something special.
PHOTO: Seattle Times sports staff