The ongoing debate surrounding Ohio State’s quarterback position has sparked interest among fans and analysts alike. A recent discussion on the Buckeye Talk podcast highlighted a hypothetical scenario: Could Ohio State have fared better against Texas with Luke Altmyer, the quarterback from Illinois, instead of their own freshman talent, Julian Sayin?
Veteran Experience vs. Raw Talent
Hosts of the podcast examined whether there was a point this season where Ohio State would have benefited from Altmyer’s experience. Stephen Means posed a thought-provoking question: “At any moment this year, would you have preferred Luke Altmyer over Julian Sayin based on their performance during that specific game?”
This inquiry bears significance, as Altmyer has showcased an impressive season. He has completed 73.6% of his passes, amassing 1,573 yards along with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions. His high QBR ranks him sixth nationally, and notably, he hasn’t thrown an interception at home in over two years, demonstrating his reliability.
Key Moments in the Season
- Texas Game: Andrew Gillis noted this as a critical moment where Altmyer’s veteran savvy could have been advantageous. Despite an overall reluctance to swap quarterbacks, he recognized the value of experience in that game.
- Washington Game: Stefan Krajisnik pointed to this matchup, arguing that Ohio State might have fully unleashed its offense with a veteran at the helm instead of Sayin, who was making his first start on the road.
Despite pondering these scenarios, all podcast hosts agreed on one conclusion: they would still prefer Julian Sayin in every situation. This consensus reflects Sayin’s rapid development and the high ceiling he demonstrates as the season progresses.
Quarterback Statistics Comparison
As Ohio State looks ahead to upcoming games, a comparison between the two quarterbacks reveals contrasting strengths:
| Quarterback | Completion % | Touchdowns | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Sayin | 80.2% | 13 | Varied performance |
| Luke Altmyer | 73.6% | 12 | 1,573 |
This discussion has implications as Ohio State prepares to face Illinois. Sayin’s impressive performance this season, combined with the coaching staff’s strategic management of his growth, has led to a successful offense. With more liberties being afforded to him as the season progresses, fans are eager to see how these changes play out on the field.
To dive deeper into this captivating quarterback comparison and to catch all the analyses of the forthcoming Ohio State and Illinois matchup, listen to the latest episode of Buckeye Talk at El-Balad.
