Insight After the Whistle: Bucks Overcome Slow Start, End Washington's Home Winning Streak

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Sept. 27, 2025. Ohio State won 24-6. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It didn't look pretty at times for the No. 1 team in the land, but they were able to put things together offensively in the second half to win 24-6 and snap Washington's 22-game home winning streak, which was the second longest in the nation at the time.

Even though the Buckeyes failed to convert on 4th down in the red zone on their opening drive for the second straight game and Brandon Inniss lost a fumble after a great punt return, the offense never panicked and got a lot of help from the defense.

Here are my takeaways from Ohio State's fourth victory of the season as they continue to make preparations for a matchup with Minnesota under the lights this weekend:

Defense Continues to Dominate

I mentioned last week that the defense would need to keep Washington's Demond Williams Jr. contained in the pocket in order to be successful, and they were able to do just that.

Ohio State had the same number of sacks as the Huskies did points (6), a testament to Matt Patricia and the incredible game plans he continues to put together.

One standout on the defensive line was Caden Curry, who had five tackles for loss including three of the six Buckeye sacks.

Although Washington was able to get some chunk plays through the air, the defense held up in the red zone thanks to some great tackling in space.

What makes their performance all the more impressive is that Washington came into the contest with the second-highest scoring offense in the country, averaging over 50 points per game.

Patricia's group continues to prove time and time again why they are the best unit in the country, and it's not particularly close.

Red Zone Woes Continue

The Buckeyes' first drive started off well as they were able to move the ball with relative ease but were stopped on fourth down at Washington's five-yard line after CJ Donaldson failed to get a yard.

Ohio State played much better in the red zone for the remainder of the game, which was ultimately one of the reasons why they pulled away from the Huskies.

They should be able to capitalize more against a Minnesota team that ranks in the bottom half of the Big Ten in red zone defense.

Still, finishing drives in the red zone remains an issue, but it's likely to improve as the offense continues to find its rhythm under Brian Hartline.

Sayin Impresses in First Road Start

From watching the game, you likely wouldn't have known that it was Julian Sayin's first-ever road start of his college career.

It's also not easy to make your first road start against a team that had previously won 22 straight home games, but Sayin looked great as the game went on.

His accuracy continues to be his best quality, but his calm demeanor and quick release are big reasons why the Buckeyes were able to control the game in the second half.

Even when pressured, he made smart decisions and didn't try to force throws that weren't there.

Like I said after the Texas game, this offense still hasn't reached its full potential, and that's a scary thought for the rest of the college football world.