CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio State football is making history this season, entering its 113th year in the Big Ten while Washington begins just its second. Their Week 5 matchup marked the first time these programs have met as conference opponents despite Ohio State holding a 9-3 all-time advantage against the Huskies.
The Buckeyes built a commanding 24-6 lead in the fourth quarter when CJ Donaldson caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Julian Sayin with 4:56 remaining. Coach Ryan Day’s fourth-down gamble effectively sealed the victory as Donaldson slipped out of the backfield to receive the short pass from Sayin.
After a slow start that saw Washington take an early 3-0 lead, Ohio State’s offense found its rhythm. Jeremiah Smith scored on an 18-yard reception with 1:08 left in the second quarter, giving the Buckeyes a 7-3 halftime advantage. Smith’s five catches today pushed him past Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the fastest Buckeye to reach 100 career receptions.
Donaldson extended the lead to 14-3 with a 1-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, capping a drive where Sayin threw for 62 yards. The teams then exchanged field goals, with Jayden Fielding connecting from 34 yards to make it 17-6 with 13:19 left in the fourth quarter.
Ohio State’s defense dominated in critical situations, holding Washington to just two field goals despite three red zone trips. The Buckeyes recorded eight tackles for loss, including a crucial fourth-down stop with 8:44 remaining that gave them possession at a pivotal moment.
Caden Curry led the defensive effort with seven tackles, including four for loss and two sacks. His disruptive play helped compensate for an offense that started conservatively in Sayin’s first road game.
The redshirt freshman quarterback finished with respectable numbers (21-of-27 for 189 yards and two touchdowns) despite not taking many downfield shots. His longest completion was just 18 yards, but he avoided turnovers after completing just two of his first four passes.
Washington’s struggles were compounded by penalties, with five in the first quarter alone. A particularly costly sequence saw the Huskies flagged for sideline interference, followed by head coach Jedd Fisch drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for confronting officials, and finally an illegal snap violation.
The Buckeyes overcame their own early miscues, including Brandon Inniss’ fumbled punt return and a failed fourth-down conversion attempt inside Washington’s 5-yard line. Ohio State entered the game ranked just 69th nationally in red zone offense.
With the win, Ohio State improves to 4-0 (1-0 Big Ten) as they return home next week to face Minnesota at Ohio Stadium.