After the best statistical performance of his young career against Wisconsin on Oct. 18, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was named both the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and the Freshman of the Week.
Sayin was 36-of-42 passing (85.7 percent) against the Badgers for a career high 393 yards. He also tied his high of four passing touchdowns in the game. It was also a high in pass attempts for the redshirt freshman.
“I think it’s what the game called for,” Sayin said after the game. “They were very stout in the box and we saw the ability to take advantage of plays outside with the RPO game and I think the receivers did a good job of spacing it out and catching. I think they made some great plays, making guys miss after.”
After the game, Sayin became one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, which junior wide receiver Carnell Tate — who caught two touchdown passes in the game — thinks Sayin is well deserving of.
“He’s the truth,” Tate said of Sayin. “He’s the Heisman winner. No question, ifs ands or doubts. Each and every week, he goes out there to prove to us why he’s a Heisman winner.”
This was Sayin’s third time being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, adding on to his performances against Grambling State on Sept. 6 and Minnesota on Oct. 4. It’s the first time he was named the conference Offensive Player of the Week.
