Ohio State was able to get a victory over fifth-ranked Indiana before the bye week. However, they lost Julian Sayin in the process. He is likely done for the year, meaning that the Buckeyes will be relying on a backup quarterback for the rest of the season. Either Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair will lead the team.
During the bye week. Ryan Day refused to name a starting quarterback. Fahey has been the backup all year, but Day left the door cracked for St. Clair to take the job. During his press conference on Tuesday, Day gave an update on the quarterback spot ahead of the matchup against USC.
Ryan Day refuses to name a starter ahead of USC game
Ryan Day once again refused to name Ohio State's starting quarterback ahead of the game against the Trojans. He was asked what one thing he is looking for to make this decision. Day responded very simply.
"Toughness. He has to be tough."
Obviously, there are other things that the QB needs to possess in order to be successful for the rest of the season. Day knows that this is a decision that he can't mess up. Day mentioned that Fahey was ahead of St. Clair on the depth chart before the IU game, but didn't confirm anything.
"I liked the look in both quarterbacks' eye. They both came to play. No one foresaw this happening, but you have to have a plan for it. That's why these guys are on the roster."
The next chance for Day to provide an update on the starting quarterback will be on Thursday during his weekly radio show. It would be shocking if he officially confirmed something at that point. This is likely a decision he keeps close to the chest until Saturday night rolls around.
Luke Fahey should still considered the favorite to start for Ohio State
At this point, Fahey should still be considered the favorite to win the starting job. To this point, he has been the backup on the depth chart all season. Why would that change now? St. Clair hasn't been able to show the coaches that he can process things on the field fast enough.
St. Clair clearly has a higher ceiling than Fahey does. At this point, the Ohio State Buckeyes need a quarterback who has a high floor. Fahey seems to have the higher floor, which is why I believe he will start against USC. That doesn't mean he will keep the job for the rest of the year, though.
Day knows that he can't screw this decision up. With the Buckeyes being good enough to win a national championship this year, he has to figure out the right guy to lead the offense. Ohio State still has one of the best defenses in the country, and they still have the best player.
No matter who plays Saturday, the game plan will likely look different from what it has been for most of this season. Day summed it up best when he was continuously asked about the QB situation.
"We have to play the guy who gives us the best chance to win."
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