Ohio State Names Freshman Luke Fahey Starting Quarterback Against Oregon

True freshman Luke Fahey will remain the starting quarterback for Ohio State on Saturday against Oregon, head coach Ryan Day announced Tuesday. Day is sticking with the young signal-caller following his first career start last weekend against USC.

Will Luke Fahey start at quarterback for Ohio State against Oregon?

The decision comes as the Buckeyes prepare to host the Ducks while facing a tiny margin for error. A 30-18 loss to USC dropped the team to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten, according to reporting by ESPN senior writer Jake Trotter.

Why did Julian Sayin miss the starting job?

Fahey stepped into the starting role after Julian Sayin suffered a throwing arm injury in the fourth quarter against Indiana on October 17. Day told reporters that Sayin, who earned Heisman finalist honors last season, remains sidelined indefinitely.

Ohio state quarterback julian sayin plays against ucla during an ncaa college football game saturday nov in columbus ohio pho

How did Fahey perform in his debut against USC?

In his first career start against the Trojans, Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. Despite the loss, Day pointed to Fahey’s poise under difficult circumstances as a foundation to build upon.

“There’s things to build on there for sure,” Day said. “But we’ve got to do a better job around him, helping him out as a young player.”

Day added that Fahey maintained the right approach throughout the week and during the game. This came despite operational hurdles that naturally accompany a young quarterback’s introduction to high-stakes college football.

“I thought he had the right approach,” Day said. “It was not all perfect. There were certainly things that happened operationally that for a young quarterback it was a lot on him, and he was working through it. There were some misthrows, but we expected all that to happen. He also made a lot of plays. He also had command of the huddle. He also showed some grit out there and toughness.”

How did Fahey secure the backup role and eventual start?

Fahey originally won the backup job over sophomore Tavien St. Clair during the preseason. During the subsequent bye week, the coaching staff divided first-team practice reps between both quarterbacks before naming Fahey the starter against USC.

What are the team’s expectations moving forward?

Following the defeat to the Trojans, Ohio State slipped to No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll. Even with two losses narrowing the team’s postseason path, Day emphasized that the program’s underlying objectives have not shifted as they prepare for Saturday’s matchup.

“When we lost Julian, the expectations here didn’t change,” Day said. “We feel like we have enough here to win these games.”