Ohio State Turns to Fahey After Stunning USC Defeat Raises Stakes

WHO:

Yahoo Sports - Ohio State started freshman quarterback Luke Fahey in place of Julian Sayin, who was unavailable after suffering a serious arm injury against Indiana.

Newsweek - Kirk Herbstreit set expectations for Fahey’s first Ohio State start; the article summary does not specify those expectations.

Newsweek - Ohio State reportedly turned to freshman Luke Fahey at quarterback for its matchup with USC without Sayin.

A to Z Sports - Ohio State coach Ryan Day said freshman cornerback Jay Timmons had re-aggravated an injury against Indiana and was held out against USC.

A to Z Sports - Ohio State was also without wide receiver Brandon Inniss against USC.

WHAT:

Yahoo Sports - Ohio State lost 30-18 to USC. The Buckeyes were 6-2, and the article said their offense struggled with Fahey while their defense broke down against USC.

Yahoo Sports - In the third quarter, USC freshman tight end Mark Bowman gained 70 yards on a play that included a hurdle and evaded tackles, reaching the Ohio State 3-yard line. USC scored a couple of plays later.

A to Z Sports - Ohio State lost a fumble, committed 11 penalties, and had red-zone problems against USC.

A to Z Sports - Ryan Day said Timmons “probably could have played the week before” against Maryland, but the staff held him out. Day said Timmons “kind of retweaked it in the Indiana game” and that doctors and trainers decided he should not play against USC.

A to Z Sports - Timmons had seven tackles and a forced fumble against Indiana. Ohio State moved Jermaine Mathews Jr. from outside cornerback to the slot while Timmons was out.

WHERE:

Yahoo Sports - Ohio State’s loss to USC took place in Southern California.

A to Z Sports - Ohio State played USC away from home; the Buckeyes’ next matchup was scheduled in Columbus against Oregon.

WHY:

Yahoo Sports - The article attributed Ohio State’s reduced offensive capability to Sayin’s injury and Fahey’s inexperience, while noting that Sayin’s injury did not cause the defense’s breakdown.

A to Z Sports - Day said Timmons was held out because playing risked resetting his recovery; the medical staff did not consider his late-week progress sufficient.

HOW:

A to Z Sports - Day said Timmons was “trying like heck to get back,” but the staff chose not to rush him back to avoid restarting his recovery.

Yahoo Sports - Ohio State’s upcoming stretch was described as including Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan; the article said the Buckeyes’ margin for error was very small.

Ohio State fell 30 to 18 at USC, struggling without injured quarterback Julian Sayin. Freshman Luke Fahey made his first start as USC’s defense broke down Ohio State. The Buckeyes also lost a fumble and committed 11 penalties in the defeat.