The Ohio State Buckeyes, after a long bye week, will travel to face the USC Trojans and will have to do it without their starting quarterback, Julian Sayin.

Sayin so far this season has thrown for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns, completing 68% of his passes. Against the Hoosiers, Luke Fahey came in to replace Sayin, and with a full week of preparation, either Fahey or St. Clair will be tested against the Trojans.

There is another part of this Buckeyes team that will need to be firing on all cylinders to win the matchup.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Earl Little Jr. (1) tackles Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Nick Marsh (11) during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Oct. 17, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The defense of the Buckeyes will need to be on point because of the quarterback situation.…