Urban Meyer had clear advice for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin ahead of his first start against Texas on Aug. 30.
“He can’t screw it up,” Meyer said. “They’ve got excellent coaches, and Ryan (Day) is an expert quarterback coach. You give them so many easy throws. You don’t need to win this game (yourself), Julian. You don’t have to do that, you have enough cats around you.”
The former Ohio State coach was a guest on “The Joel Klatt Show” on Aug. 27 to discuss the Buckeyes’ upcoming matchup, which has been dubbed one of the biggest season openers in program history.
With Sayin stepping into the Buckeyes’ starting role in this highly touted game, Meyer’s message for the redshirt freshman emphasized utilizing the more experienced offensive talents on the field, such as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
“I would always tell these young quarterbacks, ‘Get us two first downs, and your job is accomplished,'” Meyer said. “That’s all you have to do.”
Sayin was named the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback by coach Ryan Day less than two weeks before the season opener.
A five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama, Sayin played behind Will Howard last season, making four appearances late in high-margin OSU victories. Sayin beat out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz for the starting role.
bmackay@dispatch.com
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: ‘Can’t screw it up’: Former OSU football coach Urban Meyer gives advice to Julian Sayin
Reporting by Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
