For the third straight week, quarterback Julian Sayin was Ohio State’s highest graded player according to Pro Football Focus’ weekly ratings.
Sayin, who earned a 91.4 grade in Ohio State’s 34-0 victory over Wisconsin, completed 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns against the Badgers. His 91.4 grade against Wisconsin was ranked third among quarterbacks in Week 8 and his 92.3 passing grade is the best of all FBS quarterbacks this season. Sayin is also now the only Buckeye to record an “elite” grade or a rating above 90 multiple times this season.
Sayin’s favorite target as of recent, wide receiver Carnell Tate, was the Buckeyes second highest-graded player Saturday (82.5). The junior wideout caught six of Sayin’s passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. It marks Tate’s second two-touchdown game in his three years at Ohio State and the second-best reception and yardage total of his career.
Sayin and Tate were also Ohio State’s two highest-rated players two weeks ago in the Buckeyes 42-3 win over Minnesota.
Linebacker Payton Pierce was Ohio State’s best defensive player (80.8) according to PFF. He finished his outing against the Badgers with two tackles.
Freshman running back Isaiah West rushed nine times for 55 yards for Ohio State, finishing as the top-graded running back (76.5, 14 snaps).
Defensive end Caden Curry (79.7, 35) and defensive tackle Tywone Malone (72.2, 19) led the way for the Buckeyes in the trenches. Curry had an all-around day for Ohio State bringing down Badgers three times, while recording a sack and a tackle for loss.
Malone has continued to impress in a starting role, racking up two tackles and breaking up a pass from Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons.
On the contrary, Ohio State’s right side of its offensive line, encompassing right guard Tegra Tshabola and right tackle Phillip Daniels were the Buckeyes two worst graded players with at least five snaps. Tshabola earned the worst rating on the team with a 42.1 grade on 44 snaps, while Daniels had a 44.7 grade on 70 snaps. Left tackle Austin Siereveld led all offensive lineman with a 75.4 grade on 70 snaps.
