The Bill and Doug Show – Ohio State Football Talk:

Episode: Ohio State throws all over Wisconsin, Julian Sayin has huge day in 34–0 win
Date: October 19, 2025
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis
Podcast: Blue Wire

Brief Overview

Doug and Bill break down Ohio State’s dominant 34–0 victory over Wisconsin in a live postgame show. With Ohio State entering a new phase as clear national champions and rivals slipping, the episode focuses on the Buckeyes’ high-flying passing attack, quarterback Julian Sayin’s development, Carnell Tate’s emergence, the current state of the run game, special teams concerns, and big picture program comparisons. The hosts balance praise, tactical analysis, and fan-focused insight, frequently referencing questions and feedback from their loyal listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ohio State’s Statement Win and the National Landscape

• Ohio State a Class Apart: Combination of OSU’s dominance and upsets across the country (Miami/OR/TTU losses) signal it’s “Ohio State and everybody else” in college football now.
  • “We are 100% officially in the Ohio State and everybody else portion of the college football season.” — Doug (05:45)
• Comparative Dominance:
  • OSU outgained Wisconsin 491–144, essentially 500–70 before the Badgers’ final drive.
  • Other top teams (Oregon, Miami) slip, while Indiana’s resume is acknowledged but not seen as equal in talent.

2. Julian Sayin’s Star Turn

• Career Day:
  • (04:21) Official stats: 36/42, 394 yards, 4 TDs; added a strong QB sneak and designed run.
  • Hosts agree: This was “the full Sayin” — combination of poise, decisiveness, and willingness to “rip it.”
• Heisman Hype:
  • Now a trendy favorite: “This is a five-star quarterback for the number one team in the country. You know what is often a convincing Heisman case? The best player on the best team.” — Doug (10:00)
  • Landis: “I don’t know if the opponent keeps you from saying it, but I kinda thought it was his best game of the year.” (11:20)
• QB/Playcaller Synergy:
  • Felt like Sayin and the offense were mind-melded, with more RPOs and concepts that played to his strengths.
  • “It felt like the most mind-meldy, I guess, of quarterback/playcaller, what you see on the field so far this season.” — Bill (17:16)

3. Weapons on Offense: Carnell Tate & Jeremiah Smith

• Tate’s Emergence:
  • 6 receptions/111 yards/2 TDs on 7 targets.
  • Tate’s hands called “ridiculous”: “Does he have the best hands you’ve ever seen on an Ohio State receiver?” — Doug (13:29) / “Yeah.” — Bill (13:31)
  • Described as deceptively casual but technically perfect: “Like he’s going along, then it’s a nanosecond of perfect technique and it’s over.” — Doug (13:32)
• Smith’s Steady Threat:
  • 9 catches, 97 yards, 13 targets.
  • Safe, mutually complementary dynamic — neither being force-fed, both taking advantage of coverage.

4. Offensive Philosophy: More Passing, Less “Balance”

• Pass-Heavy Game Plan:
  • Early: 35 offensive plays, 27 were called passes (19:21).
  • Hosts reject old Urban Meyer “balance” ideal (250 run/250 pass): “Balance is not run-pass… It’s distribution, it’s how you get the ball to all your weapons.” — Doug (22:00)
• Philosophical Shift?
  • Both believe this game could signal a new normal for OSU — 65–70% pass, 30–35% run — especially in big games.
  • Bill: “I’ll put my foot in the bear trap and say this is the first step in that direction.” (25:42)
• RPO Evolution:
  • Noted heavier reliance on RPOs than past Ryan Day years. This boosts flexibility and lets OSU lean into passing as a default, not an afterthought.

5. Concerns: Offensive Line and Run Game

• Right Side Issues:
  • Right tackle/guard identified as a persistent issue, to be further addressed on Sunday Soundoff.
• Running Back Hierarchy:
  • Bo Jackson (10 carries, 26 yds; 5 catches for 57 yds) and Isaiah West (9 carries, 54 yds) are the guys now, with CJ Donaldson as short-yardage specialist.
  • “Is Ohio State’s running back stable two true freshmen?” “Yeah, it kind of feels that way.” — Doug & Bill (34:28)
  • If OSU faces tough games vs. Michigan or playoff teams, expect tandem of Bo Jackson/Isaiah West to lead.
• Run Efficiency Still Lags:
  • Jackson carrying a heavy load but not breaking free; O-line’s best days seem behind them (Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin D-lines all posed trouble).

6. Special Teams: Ongoing Issues

• Field Goal Angst:
  • Jaden Fielding misses from 38 yards. Doug: “Every time he’s out there now, it’s like, okay…”
  • Bill: “I don’t think Ryan Day trusts his field goal kicker as far as he can throw him…” (41:33)
• Punt Return/Punt Coverage:
  • Lots of “loose” moments, including letting Wisconsin’s punter average 54 yards with no answers from OSU.
  • Hosts suggest discomfort permeates every special teams situation except coverage.

7. Defense: Consistency and Maturity

• Shutout & Defensive Depth:
  • Complete dominance; Wisconsin had no answers; OSU rotated liberally without losing dominance.
• Player Development:
  • Kenyatta Jackson’s evolution — conversation with coach Matt Patricia signals a mature balance of duty and personal growth. “That’s good football. That’s mature football that has a chance to pay off down the line.” — Doug (52:48)
• Secondary Depth:
  • Lorenzo Styles out; no major issues. Freshmen like Matthews and Sanchez getting reps.
• Big Picture:
  • “Ohio State makes it look easy. Football is actually as hard as Wisconsin made it look. When Ohio State rolls, it is all the more to be impressed by.” — Doug (56:06)

8. Broadcast Notes / National Perception

• TV Crews Bored:
  • Observed that CBS crew seemed indifferent; “Do you think broadcasters don’t like calling Ohio State games because they’re too good?” — Doug (59:05)
• Ohio State “Boring Good”?
  • Doug: “This is not boring good. This is obliteration with style, and it makes the flaws all the more tolerable.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Timestamps)

• On OSU’s National Standing
  • “We are 100% officially in the Ohio State and everybody else portion of the college football season.” — Doug (05:45)
• On Sayin’s Development
  • “I kind of thought it was his best game of the year.” — Bill (11:20)
  • “That was the rippiest Sayin we’ve seen, and it still didn’t include any mistakes... This was the most dangerous version of Ohio State.” — Doug (11:32)
• On Philosophy Change
  • “Nobody—never—have we had a conversation: ‘should they be 65% pass, 35% run?’ But you watch a game like this and the answer is yes.” — Doug (25:42)
• On Carnell Tate
  • “Does he have the best hands you’ve ever seen on an Ohio State receiver?” — Doug (13:29)
• On Running Backs
  • “Is Ohio State’s running back stable two true freshmen? …Yeah, it kind of feels that way.” — Doug & Bill (34:28)
• On Special Teams Woes
  • “I don’t think Ryan Day trusts his field goal kicker as far as he can throw him.” — Bill (41:33)
• On Kenyatta Jackson’s Growth
  • “That’s good football. That’s mature football that has a chance to pay off down the line.” — Doug (52:48)
• On National Perception
  • “I don’t know what Ohio State can do about it, but it is a weird spot…to have the broadcasters constantly be like, ‘well, your team is really good.’” — Doug (60:39)

Important Timestamps for Segments

• 02:00 — Wisconsin’s struggles, OSU’s early game plan
• 04:20 — Correct Ohio State stat line, O-line talk
• 05:45 — “It’s Ohio State and everybody else”
• 11:20 — Sayin’s performance breakdown
• 13:29 — Carnell Tate hands discussion
• 22:00 — OSU’s offensive “balance” redefined
• 25:42 — Is this the new normal for OSU’s offense?
• 34:28 — True freshman running backs take over
• 41:33 — Kicking game & special teams anxiety
• 52:48 — Kenyatta Jackson’s mature approach
• 56:06 — “Ohio State makes football look easy” reflection
• 59:05 — National broadcasters & boring good
• 63:21 — O-line right side concerns
• 65:54 — Big picture praise and SEC comparisons

Summary & Takeaways

• Ohio State’s blowout of Wisconsin, combined with losses by other contenders, underlines their position at the top of college football.
• Julian Sayin’s growth, especially his aggressiveness and comfort in the offense, headlined the win and points toward a pass-heavy philosophy becoming the new standard.
• Carnell Tate’s hands and emergence give OSU frightening offensive depth alongside Jeremiah Smith.
• There are concerns with the right side of the O-line, ongoing run game efficiency, and special teams, plus the looming need to see the defense versus an elite offense.
• The show blends stat-driven analysis, schematic discussion, and Buckeye fan therapy, never shying from flaws, but reveling in another authoritative win.

For any fan wanting an in-depth and authentic recap, this episode is an essential primer on not just the Wisconsin game, but where Ohio State—and the national scene—is headed at midseason 2025.