If one thought Ohio State was still drinking the victory Kool-Aid from its Cotton Bowl win against Texas or its national title victory against Notre Dame, it couldn't be further from the truth.
That's according to Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who is currently competing with fellow teammate Lincoln Kienholz for the starting role this fall.
Regardless of who sees the field, one aspect of the Week 1 showdown between Ohio State and Texas is apparent: the Buckeyes are treating the game as a one-game season. In other words, a loss could be detrimental based on how the College Football Playoff committee views it, whereas a win could go a long way.
Appearing on "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit," Sayin broke down how he sees the game playing out by giving credit to his teammates instead of himself.
“It’s a completely new team,” Sayin said. "Completely new season. You know, wiping, clean slate. So, whatever happened last year is not important to this season. We’re focused on this season and just stacking it one day at a time during camp. Going to be focused on Texas. We’re excited. It’ll be a big game Week 1, and the guys on the team, we’re excited to play."
Although Sayin credits Texas as a formidable challenge, given where USA Today has the Buckeyes and Longhorns placed in the Preseason Coaches Poll, coach Ryan Day said last week he isn't rushed to make an executive decision about who his quarterback is going to be.
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“I say all the time, ultimately, as a quarterback, third down, red zone and two minutes is where you make money,” Day told reporters. "But we have good pieces around them, and they just need to lead the team, have your man and make great decisions and compete. If they do that and move the team down the field to score touchdowns, then they’re going to give us a chance to win.”
Kickoff is set for noon ET on FOX, beginning the network's "Big Noon Kickoff" slate that will feature highly-touted prospect Arch Manning on the opposite sideline.