Ohio State First Thoughts: Julian Sayin near perfect, defense straightens up vs. Penn State

The OSU passing attack feasted on Jim Knowles and the PSU defense

Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson celebrates a tackle during Saturday’s win against Penn State (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics).

COLUMBUS — First thoughts on No. 1 Ohio State’s 38-14 win against Penn State on Saturday in Ohio Stadium.

1. Julian Sayin continued his push for the Heisman Trophy.

The redshirt freshman completed 20-of-23 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns, the best of those throws coming a pair of 57-yard completions to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Sayin threw two touchdowns to Smith, one to Tate, and one to tight end Bennett Christian. Sayin ran off the field with a finger pointed in the air to celebrate with head coach Ryan Day on the sideline, probably the closest thing you’ll see to Sayin putting an exclamation on a play, but also a sign that he’s getting more comfortable showing his personality on the field.

However, the best play Sayin made on Saturday didn’t involve a throw.