The Ohio State Defense Dominates Texas

There are plenty of things to be excited about with Sayin. He’s composed, can handle pressure, manipulate the pocket, and can find his receivers in stride. The next quarterback for the Buckeyes stood tall and passed his first test.

Manning Up

The real coronation that was supposed to take place in Columbus on this heralded day was supposed to be Arch Manning‘s. The Heisman Trophy favorite was supposed to light it up with his strong, accurate arm, paired with above-average running abilities. As it turns out, the crowning will have to wait. Matt Patricia’s defense had him in the eighth circle of Hell.

Throwing the ball, Manning had no answers. He was often late and behind his receivers, forcing a plethora of incompletions. He looked more like his father, Cooper Manning, than he did his uncles.

He showed a bit and began to will the Longhorns back, but Ohio State didn’t break.

What won the game for the Buckeyes was the two massive stands with their backs against the wall. On the first Texas drive in the second half, the Longhorns drove down to the Ohio State one-yard line, but Manning was stuffed. After an interception ended the next Texas drive, the Longhorns drove down to fourth-and-three on the Ohio State nine-yard line. Manning’s pass sailed over his receiver in the end zone, ending the threat.

On the day, the Ohio State defense forced four turnovers on downs, three of which came in the second half.

Shades of Tresselball

Ohio State’s offense was not exactly what it was last year. Brian Hartline took over the playcalling duties as Chip Kelly left for the NFL. As a result, the Buckeyes ran the ball more and featured more multiple-tight-end sets. It was the old “three yards and a cloud of dust” behind CJ Donaldson and James Peoples. Donaldson led the way with 19 carries for 67 yards and scored the first touchdown of the year. The West Virginia transfer showed just why Ryan Day went out and got him. He’s physical, instinctive, and can get those tough yards even when they aren’t there.

The offense did not ask too much of Sayin and really only had him manage the game. It was akin to an NFL game with two heavyweights feeling each other out, trying to find a weakness. Jeremiah Smith had a better day than he did in the Cotton Bowl. This time, the talented sophomore hauled in six passes for 43 yards.

Tressel’s teams were led by the defense, and this one was no different. Arvell Reese introduced himself to the college football world with nine tackles and a sack. The defensive line had plenty of success as well, led by Kayden McDonald‘s eight tackles. Jermaine Mathews Jr. hauled in the game’s only interception as he undercut a short Manning throw. He nearly forced another later, but the ball hit the ground as Sonny Styles dove.

All in all, it wasn’t the prettiest, but against a quality opponent like Texas, the win is all that matters. Now, the Buckeyes will likely host Grambling State as the number-one team in the nation. With the first tough test out of the way, Ohio State can get down to business and do what it never has: go back-to-back.