Ohio State was able to dictate things on the defensive end to win a low-scoring affair against No. 1 Texas. Here are five takeaways from the big win.
Beating the top-ranked team in the country in Week 1 is the perfect way for Ohio State to kick off its season. From the opening snap, Ohio State’s defense came out with intensity and completely overwhelmed the Longhorns, setting the tone for the afternoon. Relentless pressure and smart coverage left Texas with few answers, as the Buckeyes dictated the game on that side of the ball.
On offense, quarterback Julian Sayin led a composed attack that sputtered at times but will only continue to get better. While facing a physical and well-coached Texas defense, Sayin made smart reads and delivered the ball with precision, helping OSU move the chains and control the clock. If not for dropped passes, the game could have been less at risk. The Buckeyes didn’t need to be flashy—they played clean, complementary football, and it paid off with a statement win to open the season.
Let's take some time to review the game, so here's everything you need to know about the Buckeyes’ close-season opening win against the Longhorns.
The Ohio State defense didn’t miss a beat
Matt Patricia and the new defensive leaders for the Buckeyes were absolutely sensational Saturday afternoon against the Longhorns. Whether it was disrupting Arch Manning’s rhythm, tackles, and sacks for loss, or a massive 4th and 1 stop on the goal line, the defense was lights out. Cornerback Jermaine Matthews Jr picked off Arch Manning in the 3rd quarter and flipped the momentum back in Ohio State’s favor. Ohio State relied on its defense in this contest, and it continuously bailed them out. But hey, that's not a bad thing, especially as this offense gets its sea legs.
Julian Sayin showed signs of being the next great Ohio State quarterback
The stat sheet might not be eye-popping, but Sayin in his first game against arguably the top defense in the nation looked very good. He wasn’t asked to do a ton, but made the correct reads throughout the game and moved the chains when he needed to. He will continue to get better week after week and will be a special talent for the Buckeyes when it all comes together.
This Ohio State secondary might be the best in the country
Davison Igbinosun, Lorenzo Styles Jr, Jermaine Matthews Jr, Jaylen McMlain, and Caleb Downs are a special defensive unit. They made life hell Saturday afternoon for Arch Manning and the Texas offense. An overall great performance from the back end, shutting down the Texas wide receivers all day long. They did give up a late touchdown to Parker Livingstone in garbage time as Matthews Jr just barely got beat on a 50/50 ball.
This Ohio State offense can -- and probably will -- be elite
After a slow first three quarters trying to establish the run, it finally opened up for Ohio State in the 4th as some rushing holes were established and Julian Sayin tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Carnell Tate to put OSU up 14-0. CJ Donaldson and James Peoples aren’t Quinshon Judkins and Treyveon Henderson, but they are highly capable and motivated. As Sayin gets more comfortable, expect more shots to Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Innis.
Ryan Day wins another big game
Last season, everyone believed Ryan Day was incapable of winning the big game, especially with OSU dropping regular-season games to Oregon and Michigan. This belief was heightened even more. He went on to shut everyone up on the Buckeyes’ CFP run last winter and won it all. Today, against the No. 1 team in the country, Ryan Day wins another massive game, and Ohio State should jump up in the polls to become the No. 1 team in the nation.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: 5 major takeaways from Ohio State football's big win over No. 1 Texas
Category: General Sports
