Ohio State Starts Back-To-Back Quest with Win Over #1 Texas

Ohio State is Goal Line Stand U

The Buckeyes developed a reputation last year for stopping opponents cold and leaving them with nothing, even when they had the ball inside Ohio State’s ten-yard line. They did it against teams like Penn State, Nebraska, and Texas last year. Today, they added another notch to their belts with another one against Texas. Early in the third quarter, Texas was driving and making it look easy, when Ohio State found themselves with their backs against the wall again. The Buckeyes just added another brick to their foundation as Goal Line Stand University.

Ohio Tate

Jeremiah Smith drew all the attention again against Texas. So, again, it was up to other players to make plays in one-on-one matchups. Buckeye wide receiver Carnell Tate came up with the most significant plays that were created by Smith drawing defenders. His first catch was a sideline grab that helped the Buckeyes in the field position game, and his second catch was ultimately the game-decider. He caught a 40-yard touchdown bomb from Julian Sayin that was one of the wildest catches I’ve ever seen.

Sayin it’s so for Ohio

Julian Sayin didn’t have the most impressive stat line in the world. He was 13 of 20 for 123 yards and a touchdown. But he didn’t look at all like a quarterback making their first college start against the #1 team in the nation. Sayin did look impressive in that he was never rattled by Texas. He never made dumb mistakes, didn’t take a sack, and didn’t turn the ball over. The quickness and decisiveness that we’d see him practice with were on full display as he quarterbacked his first (of hopefully very, very many) wins at Ohio State.

Reese and Donaldson

A pair of new starters in Arvell Reese and CJ Donaldson had standout days at linebacker and running back, respectively. Reese had nine tackles, including a sack and a tackle for a loss, and stuffed Texas on fourth down. #8 was all over the field making hits and looks like a new star for the Silver Bullets defense. Donaldson showed out by being a decisive running back. The transfer from West Virginia would see where he needed to go on any given handoff and hit the gap with a great combination of strength and speed. #12 would finish the day with 76 total yards and a touchdown to begin his Buckeye career.

Rushmen

Kenyatta Jackson Jr. had an injury in the game that took him out of the lineup down the stretch. Hopefully, it isn’t a serious injury, because the Bucks need him this season at defensive end. C.J. Hicks entered the game in his place, and the pass rush specialist made his presence felt when Texas faced do-or-die on their last drive. Hicks beat his man, and for Arch Manning to throw before his receiver could get his route pass the sticks. This allowed all-American Caleb Downs to make the game-winning stop.

O-H-I-O

–Ohio State put their 2024 National Champions ‘banner’ up today.

-The Buckeyes have won 26 straight season openers, the longest active streak in the FBS.

–Ohio State is Corso’s final pick.

–Archie Griffin started a new tradition. He, Corso, the 2024 team being immortalized, and this team made Ohio Stadium loud, causing at least two false start penalties to be committed by Texas.