Ohio State got out to a big first-half lead against Texas in Austin on Saturday, but the Buckeyes cushion wasn’t big enough.
The Longhorns came back in the second half for a 24-23 victory over the Buckeyes at their home field in an all-time collapse by Ohio State.
While the Buckeyes wanted to come away with the win, there were still players who performed well for OSU.
Here’s who Buckeye Sports Bulletin is giving Buckeye Leaves.
Sam Cipriani: Safety Earl Little Jr. was all over the field for Ohio State’s defense in the Buckeyes’ loss to Texas.
The fifth-year Florida State transfer made multiple crucial open-field tackles, leading Ohio State with 11 tackles, including six solo takedowns.
Little also provided a highlight play in the second quarter when he made an acrobatic play to break up a pass from Arch Manning, nearly coming away with the turnover.
Bobby Gorbett: For a very solid performance against the Longhorns, fifth-year defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is receiving my Buckeye Leaf.
The Buckeyes’ defensive end hasn’t always had the playing time or pass-rushing opportunities that he may have desired earlier in his collegiate career, but the game against the Longhorns must have felt like a payoff.
Jackson finished the game with five total tackles, including a sack for 6 yards.
Greg Wilson: My Buckeye Leaf is going to Jeremiah Smith, who showed in the first half exactly why he’s considered the best player in college football by so many.
In his previous two matchups against Texas, Smith was held largely in check. This time, he came into Austin with something to prove and broke out for eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown.
He and Julian Sayin struggled to find that same connection in the second half, and the cushion they had built wasn’t enough to take the win back to Columbus.
