Before the start of this season, one of the biggest questions surrounding OSU was QB Julian Sayin. But through seven games, Sayin has removed all doubts as OSU sits comfortably atop the AP Poll. He has 19 TDs so far this season, with only 3 interceptions. On Saturday, the QB put on a show against Wisconsin, leading the Buckeyes to a 34-0 victory. Now, if Sayin hadn’t yet made his case as a Heisman contender, this performance definitely puts him in the conversation. Even OSU WR Carnell Tate publicly backed him for the award.

OSU’s running game only contributed 98 yards. It hardly mattered. Because Sayin dominated through air. He had a career-high performance in yards with 393. He did that on 36 of 42 passes for 4 TDs. After this stunning performance, Tate said of Sayin, “He’s the truth. He’s a Heisman winner. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Every single week, he proves he’s a Heisman winner.” Tate also made a huge impact in that game.

While WR Jeremiah Smith often grabs the spotlight when opposing defenses game-plan for OSU, this time it was Carnell Tate who stole the show. The wideout hauled in 6 passes for 111 yards, including two of Sayin’s four TD throws. Sayin is just below Smith when it comes to Heisman odds. According to FoxSports, Sayin has the 4th best odds of winning at +1500. Meanwhile Smith sits rigth above at +1400. Only Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza and Bama QB Ty Simpson have higher odds.

In Saturday’s showdown, Smith made 97 yards on 9 catches. But it was Tate who delivered the highlight of the game. Sayin threw a perfectly placed 33-yard TD which was grabbed by Tate as he fought between two defenders. As Julian Sayin rises to stardom, he hasn’t held back in praising his teammates for their role in his success.

Julian Sayin’s take after the win

Heading into Camp Randall Stadium is a challenge for any team. Yet the Buckeyes made it look easy in Saturday’s rout. Although Sayin was the spotlight, he made sure to credit his teammates. “It’s awesome to have talent around you like that,” said Sayin to CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell.

Following that win, OSU improve to 7-0 and hold onto its AP No. 1 ranking. And looking ahead, the Buckeyes host PSU next week. Although PSU (3-4) has struggled recently. This seems like a slam dunk.

Sayin remains confident in his weapons. “We’ve got two guys who, when it’s one-on-one and you’re looking both sides, I have full confidence that both these guys are going to go score a touchdown for us,” he said. Ohio State’s natty hopes get more and more real with each dominant victory.