Smith scores twice and Sayin throws four touchdowns in Ohio State’s 45-16 win

Jeremiah Smith turned his first two receptions into touchdowns, Julian Sayin threw four scoring passes, and No. 5 Ohio State defeated Maryland 45-16 Saturday in Columbus. The Buckeyes built a 31-10 halftime lead, then relied on Bo Jackson’s rushing to finish a game in which their own mistakes gave the Terrapins several openings.

Smith finished with four catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns. His 33-yard score opened the scoring, and his 40-yard touchdown in the second quarter restored an 11-point lead after Maryland had pulled within four. Both plays turned short throws into long gains, a distinction that mattered against a defense unable to keep Ohio State’s receivers in front of it.

Between those touchdowns, Sayin found Nate Roberts for a 68-yard score. Maryland had just cut the lead to 7-3 with a field goal when Roberts raced through the middle of the defense. Testudo Times’ report described the explosive plays as the central problem for the Terrapins, whose offense could not keep pace with those quick scoring responses.

Maryland’s best offensive possession ended with Malik Washington’s five-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Several Ohio State penalties helped extend the drive, and the score made it 14-10. Smith’s second touchdown, Connor Hawkins’ 40-yard field goal and Sayin’s one-yard touchdown pass to Mason Williams then pushed the margin to 21 points by halftime.

The Terrapins created another opportunity in the third quarter. Daniel Wingate intercepted a Sayin pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown, reducing the deficit to 31-16. Maryland failed on the two-point attempt. Ohio State responded with Jackson’s 25-yard touchdown run, restoring a three-score cushion before the end of the period.

Jackson scored again from two yards out in the fourth quarter. He finished with 107 yards on 23 carries, while Ja’Kobi Jackson added 76 yards on 14 attempts. Those two runners accounted for most of Ohio State’s 207 rushing yards, allowing the Buckeyes to control the second half without needing another touchdown pass.

Sayin completed 13 of 21 passes for 242 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Ohio State finished with 449 total yards and 24 first downs. Its offense converted all three fourth-down opportunities, although the Buckeyes also lost a fumble and committed eight penalties for 65 yards.

Washington completed 12 of 25 passes for only 64 yards. Chris Durr Jr. caught four passes for 15 yards, and DeJuan Williams led Maryland’s rushing with 48 yards on 16 carries. The Terrapins managed 146 total yards and converted three of 12 third downs. Their turnover-free offensive performance prevented additional damage, but it did not produce enough sustained possessions to threaten the lead.

Ohio State improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten. Maryland fell to 2-4 and 0-3. The Buckeyes travel to Indiana next Saturday; the Terrapins return home to face Rutgers. Smith’s early scores and Jackson’s late work gave Ohio State two different ways to separate from an opponent that repeatedly needed help to reach scoring position.