No. 1 Texas loses heavyweight bout versus No. 2 Ohio State – losing chess match and having a lot of questions to answer
No. 1 Texas Longhorns lost the most-hyped season opener in the history of college football to No. 2 Ohio State, 14-7, after a lackluster appearance in the Horseshoe.Arch Manning and the Texas offense had no answer for Matt Patricia and the Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday as the Longhorns offense struggled to move the football against […]
No. 1 Texas Longhorns lost the most-hyped season opener in the history of college football to No. 2 Ohio State, 14-7, after a lackluster appearance in the Horseshoe.
Arch Manning and the Texas offense had no answer for Matt Patricia and the Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday as the Longhorns offense struggled to move the football against a revamped defense.
Despite outgaining Ohio State 336 to 203, the Longhorns could not muster enough to get a win in Columbus in one of the most anticipated openers of all-time.
The play calling was certainly interesting.
I thought Steve Sarkisian and the Texas staff were quite hesitant to let Manning do his thing. The first-year starter was just 17-for-30 for 170 yards and one touchdown and one interception. The play calling was more to the run game and it seemed like the staff wanted Manning to settle in. But, Ohio State did a phenomenal job of keeping Sarkisian guessing and keeping the Texas offensive line guessing all afternoon.
Ohio State had multiple fourth down stops and got the big plays when it mattered.
First-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had a game plan for the ages and had Sarkisian and Texas guessing all day. The Longhorns had no answer for the Ohio State fronts and delayed blitzes in third down situations.
Texas will need to address the offensive line and figuring out the wide receiver room. Cal transfer tight end Jack Endries led the way with four catches for 50 yards but no one else was really much of a factor. Ryan Wingo and Parker Livingstone combined for just four catches for 82 yards and a score.
The Longhorns really struggled to create separation throughout the day and it ultimately hindered the offense.
Arch Manning had a couple good throws but he could not get in rhythm.
Davidson Igbinosun and Co., did an excellent job disguising coverages and keeping Manning on his toes all afternoon. The job Ohio State did Saturday should be commended. Ryan Day and his staff were excellent and won this round.
It remains to be seen if we will get another matchup in the College Football Playoff. Me thinks Texas will be just fine in Southeastern Conference play. But, for now, there are a lot of question marks.
