Texas-Ohio State to serve as a ‘great barometer’ for head coach Steve Sarkisian, Longhorns
During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was pretty blunt about what this weekend’s season opener against Ohio State means to him.“I think at the end of the day, this is going to serve as a great barometer for us of where we’re at, the things we’re good at, the things […]
During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was pretty blunt about what this weekend’s season opener against Ohio State means to him.
“I think at the end of the day, this is going to serve as a great barometer for us of where we’re at, the things we’re good at, the things we need to improve upon. Naturally, we’re going up there to try to win the ball game, but I also think that this one game won’t define our season,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got a lot more games to go play, not only non-conference but in-conference play with some hopes of postseason aspirations.”
It’s the first No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup in a season opener in the modern era. And the revenge aspect of this one is not even the major storyline.
Arch Manning vs. Julian Sayin
The five-star versus five-star matchup under center is what might dictate the end result here. Sayin is as green as they come and Manning is hoping to cement himself as a dude in Austin, Tex., after playing in spot duty and gadget situations in 2024.
Sayin has all the makings of the next big thing at quarterback in Columbus. He has Jeremiah Smith to throw to which would be enough for anyone to put up decent numbers. Manning has a duo of returning receivers who can catch with the best of them and a new tight end toy from the transfer portal.
I think this one comes down to the Texas defense and how much it can get in the face of Sayin. And with a revamped offensive line, I think Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill Jr., and Co., are going to do just that.
Who else will emerge in the Texas backfield Saturday?
Maybe this question answers itself and Tre Wisner runs for 175 and a few touchdowns and no one else is really needed to spell him. But, me thinks Sarkisian will prefer the likes of CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson have the gumption to step up and give them something extra.
Wisner is the lone returning 1,000+ yard rusher in college football and you have to think Ohio State knows this. But, Ohio State lost damn near everyone to the NFL Draft and graduation from a year ago.
The Longhorns are also replacing four starters up front, but Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood seem confident in the likes of DJ Campbell, Brandon Baker, Cole Hutson, Trevor Goosby, and Neto Umeozulu to step right in for the Joe Moore Award finalists from 2024.
No Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, no problem?
Texas lost two game changers in the wide receiver room. But, DeAndre Moore and Ryan Wingo are back. The latter being a legitimate breakout candidate to take a very large step in 2025. In fact, I expect him to be one of the premier pass-catchers in college football.
Sarkisian has talked about not throwing too much on his plate in 2024 in order to let him get acclimated to the speed of college football. Now, he’s been in Austin for almost two years and seems ready to take over a leadership role and be the guy.
Elsewhere, Parker Livingstone has drawn rave reviews in camp and seems like a viable WR3 option. He suffered a lower leg injury his senior year and redshirted in 2024. As the weekend draws closer, you have to think the in-state product is itching to get a taste of live action. If he can provide some downfield threat and/or possession receiver safety blanket for Manning along with Stanford transfer Emmett Mosley V working his way back – this group could potentially grow into one of the best in the SEC.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the defense, but I feel at this point everyone knows what you’re getting. I think Saturday is won on the offensive side of the football. Manning has to make plays, the Longhorns have to move the sticks in key spots, and the run game has to be good enough to take some pressure off the first-year starter.
Defensively, Simmons, Hill, Michael Taaffe and Co., are going to do their thing. It just seems like this one is going to come down to Manning doing this thing. Maybe an early season Heisman moment? Or just a regular season Power 4 resume win for the CFP committee.
I think Sarkisian would be fine with just that.
