The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes secured a crucial 19-15 road victory over the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. But the win came with a cost. Quarterback Julian Sayin suffered an arm injury late in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit. He left the field before returning with a sling on his right arm.

Following the game, OSU head coach Ryan Day confirmed that Sayin would miss "several weeks." The absence of last year's Heisman Trophy finalist presents a major challenge for the Buckeyes as they prepare for a demanding stretch of their schedule.

Freshman Luke Fahey is expected to take over as Ohio State's starting quarterback. Fahey completed neither of his two passing attempts after replacing Sayin against Indiana. The Buckeyes also have sophomore quarterbacks Tavien St. Clair and Kolton Stover available.

Despite the injury, Ohio State improved to 6-1 with its victory over Indiana. They move back into the race for a College Football Playoff berth. A timely bye week offers the team an opportunity to regroup before facing No. 19 USC on the road for a Halloween affair. The Buckeyes will then host Oregon and No. 25 Northwestern in consecutive weeks.

Without Sayin, Ohio State will rely more heavily on its defense and an improved rushing attack to remain competitive. However, the injury could also affect the Heisman Trophy race, particularly for star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. One of the leading contenders after an outstanding start to the season, Smith recorded four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown against Indiana. He now has 52 receptions for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Ohio State will navigate all the difficulties in the coming weeks and adjust to Sayin's absence. 

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS: