Heisman Duo Leads No. 1 Ohio State Past Purdue Football: Glimpse of Future Shows in Likes, Dislikes

Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith propel No. 1 Ohio State past ...

The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continued their dominant march through the 2025 season with a convincing 34-10 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers on November 8 at Ross-Ade Stadium. Led by the dynamic Heisman Trophy frontrunners Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes overcame an early deficit to unleash a second-quarter onslaught that put the game out of reach. With this win, Ohio State improved to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in Big Ten play, extending their winning streak to 13 games and keeping their eyes firmly on a potential showdown with unbeaten Indiana for the conference title.

But as any true Buckeye fan knows, no game is perfect—even in a blowout. Let's break down the likes and dislikes from this matchup, where the performance not only secured another W but also offered tantalizing hints at Ohio State's bright future with its young stars shining bright.

Likes

1. The Heisman Duo Delivers Again: Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are not just leading the Heisman race—they're redefining it. Sayin was razor-sharp, completing 27 of 33 passes for 303 yards and a touchdown, showcasing poise and precision that belies his youth. Smith, his go-to target, hauled in a season-high 10 receptions for 137 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown strike that flipped the momentum. With Smith now tied for sixth on OSU's all-time receiving touchdowns list at 25, this sophomore sensation is proving he's a generational talent. Their chemistry is electric, and it's clear they're the engine driving this unbeaten machine.

2. Second-Quarter Explosion: After trailing 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Buckeyes dropped 24 unanswered points in the second, including short touchdown runs from C.J. Donaldson Jr. and Lincoln Kienholz, plus a career-long 49-yard field goal from Jayden Fielding. This burst highlighted Ohio State's ability to adjust and dominate, outgaining Purdue 170-186 in total yards while controlling the clock for over 40 minutes. It's the kind of resilience that wins championships.

3. Defensive Clampdown: Holding Purdue to just 186 total yards and forcing an interception from Ryan Browne, the Buckeye defense was suffocating as usual. They limited the Boilermakers to a single field goal in the first half and kept the game in check even as the offense found its rhythm. Standouts like the secondary showed why OSU boasts one of the nation's top units.

4. Bo Jackson's Ground Game: The running back added balance with 75 yards on 14 carries, helping set up those short-yardage scores for Donaldson. In a pass-heavy era, having a reliable rusher like Jackson keeps defenses honest and opens up the air attack.

Dislikes

1. Slow Start and Early Deficit: For the first time this season, Ohio State trailed, going down 3-0 after Purdue's 40-yard field goal late in the opening quarter. Against a struggling 2-7 Boilermakers team, this sluggish beginning raised eyebrows. The Buckeyes can't afford such lapses against tougher foes like Indiana or in the playoffs.

2. Turnover Troubles: Sayin's lone interception was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar day. While it didn't cost them dearly here, ball security will be crucial as the stakes rise. Purdue also picked off Browne, but OSU needs to be cleaner.

3. Missing Tate's Impact: Wide receiver Carnell Tate was sidelined for precautionary reasons after a pregame tweak, limiting the receiving corps depth. Coach Ryan Day hopes he's back soon, but his absence highlighted potential vulnerabilities if injuries pile up.

Glimpse of the Future

What stands out most from this game isn't just the win—it's the promise of sustained excellence. With sophomores like Sayin (a Heisman favorite) and Smith (climbing the odds at +4000) leading the charge, Ohio State looks built for now and beyond. Their performances against Purdue underscore a roster loaded with young talent ready to carry the torch. As the Buckeyes gear up for UCLA next week and a potential Big Ten title clash, this "Heisman duo" isn't just winning games—they're building a dynasty. Buckeye Nation, the future is scarlet and gray.