After USC Loss, Ohio State Freshman QB Luke Fahey Gets Chance at Redemption From Ryan Day
Playoff pressure builds
Ohio State’s College Football Playoff position weakened after the Buckeyes lost 30-18 to USC last Saturday. Their No. 2 AP Poll ranking was followed by a No. 11 spot in the CFP Committee’s initial rankings, a nine-place drop.
The Buckeyes host No. 23 Oregon in Week 10. Oregon still has an outside chance to reach the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis, while Ohio State will likely need to win its remaining games to secure a second consecutive playoff appearance.
Fahey remains the starter
Day confirmed Tuesday that Fahey will start against Oregon. The freshman took over for primary quarterback Julian Sayin after Ohio State’s bye week, following the team’s win over Indiana in Bloomington.
Fahey has recorded three touchdown passes and two interceptions across four games this fall against Ball State, Kent State, Indiana and USC. His first start came on the road against USC and was, in Day’s assessment, imperfect.
Day calls for team support
Day said he was not angry with Fahey after the loss and viewed the performance as a chance to build toward more lasting progress. He noted that missed opportunities by teammates made it harder for the young quarterback.
Day also said the team needed to play better around Fahey in his first road start. He identified plays on both sides of the ball that could be improved, but said he did not see the overall scheme as a major problem.
Oregon game details
Ohio State and Oregon are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on CBS. The Buckeyes have won three of the teams’ five head-to-head meetings since January 2010.
Day said the focus is on how Ohio State can improve collectively, rather than on the opponent alone. The matchup comes as the Buckeyes try to strengthen their position during the season’s final month.
Key points
- Ryan Day said Luke Fahey will start at quarterback against Oregon.
- Ohio State fell to No. 11 in the first CFP Committee rankings after losing to USC.
- Ohio State hosts No. 23 Oregon at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on CBS.