It has been quite a while since the Ohio State football program had a Heisman Trophy winner. In fact, it has been exactly 20 years since Troy Smith won the award. Back in 2006, Smith led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the national championship.
Since then, the Ohio State Buckeyes have had several Heisman Finalists. Yet, no one has managed to take home the trophy since Smith did it. The last Heisman Finalist Ohio State had was last season, when Julian Sayin was invited to New York. He ended up losing out to Fernando Mendoza.
Had the Buckeyes won the Big Ten Championship Game, Sayin might have been able to win the award. It seemed that the vote hinged on the outcome of that game. This will be his second year as a starter. What kind of stats should fans expect from him this season in a new offensive system?
Julian Sayin should put up prolific stats for Ohio State this season
Sayin will have a new offensive coordinator this season. Arthur Smith was brought in to call plays after Brian Hartline moved to USF to become their head coach. Smith comes to Columbus after being the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he's a former head coach.
So what kind of stats should we expect Sayin to put up with Smith calling the plays? Last season, he threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He completed 77 percent of his passes. This year, his yards should be higher, but his completion percentage could fall.
I project Sayin to throw for 3,854 yards, 38 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. I expect him to complete around 70 percent of his passes. Why does his completion percentage fall? Sayin should push the ball down the field more now that he has a full year of experience under his belt.
Julian Sayin should emerge as a Heisman Trophy threat again
Sayin should once again be one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. Last season, that Big Ten Championship performance cost him dearly, and Sayin finished fourth in the voting. That was last among the finalists that were invited to the ceremony.
This season, Sayin should be a threat to win it. At the very least, he should finish higher in the voting. It would be surprising if he finished any lower than third in the final voting. His teammate, Jeremiah Smith, is one of the primary threats to win the award, as well.
Of course, Smith's stats are predicated on how well Sayin plays, as well. Other than the two Buckeyes, Arch Manning and Dante Moore are the two other main candidates for the award. Ohio State has both of those opponents on its schedule, so Sayin has the opportunity to outplay both of those candidates this season.
Sayin should have a great opportunity to make Ohio State football history this season. He cares more about winning games and becoming a national champion.
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