Ohio State is in Austin, Texas, on Saturday to take on the Longhorns in a top-five matchup that looks to be one of the biggest games of the college football season.
The two teams have matched up twice in the two years before this, with the Buckeyes coming out on top both times, and the Longhorns are looking to end that streak in what will surely be a raucous DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium environment for the 7:30 p.m. Eastern start time.
Here’s how the Buckeye Sports Bulletin staff sees this game going.
Sam Cipriani: OSU Pass Attack Lifts Bucks Over UT In Austin
Ohio State heads to Texas for what is expected to be a blistering hot night in Austin. While the defenses shone in their last clash, a 14-7 Buckeyes win, elevated quarterback play and revamped offenses shape the game to be a higher-scoring affair.
The key for Ohio State is to protect star quarterback Julian Sayin from defensive end Colin Simmons, linebacker Rasheem Biles and Texas’ strong front seven. The junior gunslinger is arguably the most accurate quarterback in college football, backed by an NCAA-leading 77.0 completion percentage last season. If he can get enough time from a veteran Buckeyes offensive line, expect Sayin to play mistake-free. Sayin and star wideout Jeremiah Smith will look to establish early rhythm alongside targets Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin to give the passing game explosive depth.
The Texas offense against the Ohio State defense is much less clear for me. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning enters the matchup looking sharper than ever after a year under his belt, despite defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and the Buckeye defense giving him fits last season. Meanwhile, Ohio State returns a retooled group trying to maintain the elite standard of last year’s top-ranked unit that finished No. 1 in both scoring and total defense.
That said, I trust Ohio State’s offense to be the difference. Sayin’s accuracy and the Buckeyes’ talent at receiver should create enough explosive plays to overcome Texas’ strong front. Manning will have his chances, but when the game gets tight late, I’ll take Ohio State to make one more play. Ohio State 24, Texas 21
Bobby Gorbett: Ohio State Falls Short Against Texas
When I made my season prediction before the season, I told myself I wasn’t going to pick Texas over Ohio State, with the Buckeyes beating the Longhorns in each of the last two seasons.
I have changed my mind. I wasn’t completely impressed with the Buckeyes’ ability to run the ball or to rush the passer against Ball State. The Longhorns may be able to take advantage of both of those weaknesses.
Even if Ohio State isn’t able to run the ball with great success, I expect Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin to be productive as a passer. Working against a Texas secondary with some question marks, Sayin will likely be able to connect with star receiver Jeremiah Smith and UTSA transfer Devin McCuin throughout the game.
On the other end, the Buckeyes shouldn’t have too many issues stopping the run. Even if Texas’ ground game is improved, I don’t expect it to be the strength of the team. It will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Matt Patricia can formulate another masterplan to slow down the Texas offense because senior quarterback Arch Manning is greatly improved from the player he was to start last season. His weapons are also improved. Texas had a loaded transfer portal class, and the most prominent addition was former Auburn receiver, Cam Coleman.
For the most part, these teams are fairly similar. Both teams have a proven quarterback and elite receivers. Neither team is known for its ability to run the ball, and each team has the size on the interior to hold up against the run.
If this game comes down to pass-rush and pass protection, which is no guarantee, Texas will win. The Longhorns have a game-wrecker in defensive end, Collin Simmons. The Buckeyes don’t have a game-wrecker at defensive end. Fifth-year defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is serviceable, but hasn’t shown the ability to disrupt an opposing offense by himself.
I also trust the Longhorns’ offensive line in pass protection a bit more than Ohio State’s offensive line. It also helps Texas to have one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the country, while Sayin leaves some to be desired in that department. Texas 23, Ohio State 20
Greg Wilson: Buckeyes Can’t Come Back From Behind
We didn’t get a lot of answers from either Ohio State or Texas from their 50-plus-point victories over Group of Six teams. Both treated those games as if they were preseason matchups, and now the two teams are meeting in Austin for the real deal.
I see too many questions all over the field for Ohio State. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are great, as is Devin McCuin. The pass game can be a real weapon for the Buckeyes, and I expect them to try to take advantage of that. But until the offensive line and running backs prove to me that they can compete and get going against some of the best competition in the country, I’m not buying the improvements that were talked about from both rooms over the offseason.
I also don’t think Ohio State’s defense is as talented as it was last year when the two teams played. Enter a more talented Texas offense with a more experienced Arch Manning running it, and I see all sorts of issues that could arise for the Buckeyes when the Burnt Orange and White have the ball in their possession.
Texas had issues with its run game in Week 1 as well, but I still see this going the Longhorns way in Austin. I think Texas ends its three-game losing streak to Ohio State that dates back to 2006. Texas 28, Ohio State 20
