Haskins turns in award-worthy game in first start

Dwayne Haskins Jr. has one collegiate start under his belt but already has an award for his wall.

The Ohio State third-year sophomore quarterback was named the Big Ten offensive player of the week Monday after his performance in the Buckeyes’ 77-31 season-opening win over Oregon State. He threw for 313 yards and five touchdowns — both school records for a quarterback making his first start — while completing 22 of 30 passes with one interception.

The last time an OSU player earned the league’s offensive weekly honor was running back Mike Weber on Nov. 13, 2017. He was in the running for it again this time after rushing for a career-high 186 yards and three touchdowns against the Beavers and adding a touchdown catch.

On Fuller alert

It seems safety and co-captain Jordan Fuller has a good chance to return to action this week for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers. He was ruled out of playing against Oregon State just before pregame warmups when a touchy hamstring, strained during the week, still gave him problems in an early morning workout.

“Shaun (Barnhouse, head trainer) and the guys were working him out to see if he could do it,” acting head coach Ryan Day said Monday. “We felt like it was better to hold him … and he’s getting treatment today and obviously this weekend. So we’re looking forward to getting him in practice this week and going from there.”

Jahsen Wint and Isaiah Pryor had been competing through preseason to be No. 1 at the other safety spot but instead wound up getting their first collegiate starts, and to mixed reviews.

“We knew that there could be some growing pains there,” defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said. “Overall, I thought they were solid and made some mistakes, but now at least we have a leaping-off point. Now we have to go and see how fast we can ascend. And if we get Jordan back, that makes a big difference.”

Interception silver lining

The one major blunder by Haskins was an interception he threw midway through the third quarter near the goal line, but even that play had a praise-worthy ending, according to Day. After Shawn Wilson snared the interception and returned it 33 yards, the ball popped out of his hands at the Beavers’ 37 and was grabbed by teammate Kaleb Hayes, who continued down the field for 46 yards. What Day recalled was the chase that ensued.

“Two guys in particular, if you go back and watch the film, who ended up getting him down were Binjimen Victor and Isaiah Prince,” Day said. “And to see 59 (the 6-foot-7, 310-pound right tackle Prince) running the length of the field to make that tackle was really amazing. It wasn’t a fun play to watch, it was a mess, but the effort on that play to get him down was remarkable.”

The defense went on to force a field goal from the Beavers.

Starting QB factory

Five months ago, Joe Burrow was competing with Haskins for the OSU starting job. Sunday night, Burrow started for LSU after transferring there in May, and he led the Tigers to a 33-17 victory over Miami to the delight of Day, his former position coach.

“Really happy for Joe,” Day said. “I texted Joe and his parents to let him know how happy I was for him, seeing him out there playing. It was great to see him get a win.”

tmay@dispatch.com

@TIM_MAYsports

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