Ohio State heads to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 31 for a primetime Big Ten showdown against USC. The No. 3 Buckeyes (6-1) and No. 16 Trojans (6-1) will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. It is Ohio State’s first trip to the Coliseum since 2008 and the first meeting between the programs as conference opponents.
The game arrives with added stakes and complications. Starting quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury suffered in the fourth quarter of Ohio State’s 19-15 win at Indiana. Coach Ryan Day has said the Buckeyes are planning for the possibility that Sayin misses the rest of the regular season and potentially the postseason. True freshman Luke Fahey is expected to get the start, with sophomore Tavien St. Clair also receiving first-team reps during the bye week.
That quarterback uncertainty, combined with the environment in Los Angeles, makes this one of the tougher road tests on Ohio State’s schedule. Here are three things the Buckeyes must do to leave the Coliseum with a win.
1. Simplify the Offense and Protect the Young Quarterback
Without Sayin, Ohio State’s offense will look different. Sayin had thrown for more than 2,000 yards with 19 touchdowns and only four interceptions before the injury. Fahey, a former three-star from Mission Viejo, California, entered after Sayin went down against Indiana and finished 0-for-2.
The Buckeyes cannot ask a true freshman to carry the full load against a USC defense that will be aggressive. They must lean on the running game—Bo Jackson has been the lead back with 516 yards—and get the ball to Jeremiah Smith in ways that do not require perfect throws every snap. Short, high-percentage concepts, play-action, and a commitment to the ground game will give Fahey manageable situations while still creating opportunities for Smith, who remains the most dynamic player on the field.
2. Win the Turnover Battle and Limit Big Plays
Ohio State’s defense has been one of the best in the country, allowing just 13.4 points per game. That unit will need to be at its best against USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has thrown for more than 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
The Buckeyes cannot afford the kind of mistakes that have occasionally appeared this season. Penalties and special-teams miscues have shown up in earlier games. On the road, in a loud environment, those errors become magnified. Forcing USC into long fields, creating takeaways, and keeping the Trojans out of explosive plays will give Ohio State’s offense a chance to control the game even without its usual starting quarterback.
3. Manage the Atmosphere and Stay Ahead of the Chains
Playing at the Coliseum in primetime is a different environment than most Big Ten road trips. USC has been strong at home, and the energy around a Halloween night game against a top-five opponent will be high. Ohio State has already played a challenging road game this season, losing a close one at Texas, so the staff has recent experience in hostile settings.
The Buckeyes must avoid falling behind early. Getting into manageable third downs, converting on early downs, and keeping the defense fresh will matter. If Ohio State can establish a physical tone and avoid self-inflicted wounds, the talent on defense and at skill positions should still give them an edge even with the quarterback change.
Final Thoughts
The quarterback situation is the bigger concern right now. A true freshman making his first start on the road against a ranked team is a difficult assignment no matter how talented the supporting cast is. The road atmosphere adds pressure, but Ohio State’s defense and playmakers give the program a path to win if the offense stays balanced and the young quarterback is protected.
Whether Fahey or St. Clair gets the majority of the snaps, the formula is the same: run the ball effectively, get the ball to Jeremiah Smith, and let the defense dictate the terms. If the Buckeyes execute those three things, they can leave Los Angeles with a statement win. If they do not, USC has the tools to make it a long night.
