How Can Texas Possibly Beat Ohio State?

How Can Texas Possibly Beat Ohio State?

by Jack Chambers for Wannamakeabet.com

 

As Texas prepares to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl for the CFP semifinal, the Longhorns face a monumental challenge. Ohio State boasts a balanced offense, a dominant defensive front, and depth across the board. However, Texas has the talent and tools to pull off the upset if they execute a near-perfect game plan. Here’s how the Longhorns can beat the Buckeyes:

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1. Exploit Ohio State’s Secondary

Ohio State’s defense thrives on limiting explosive plays, but their secondary, while disciplined, can be tested by a high-octane passing game. Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback, must leverage his familiarity with Ohio State’s system from his time as a recruit and brief tenure in Columbus.

• What Texas Must Do:
  Ewers needs to attack downfield with accuracy and take calculated risks. Texas’ deep-threat wide receivers can challenge Ohio State’s corners, forcing them to defend in space. Receivers like Xavier Worthy must create separation and capitalize on one-on-one matchups.
• Key Stat: Ewers should aim for at least 300 passing yards to keep pace with Ohio State’s potent offense.

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2. Win in the Trenches

Ohio State’s defensive line, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. For Texas to succeed, their offensive line must neutralize this duo.

• What Texas Must Do:
  Keep Ewers upright and give him time to operate. The Longhorns’ offensive line must pick up blitzes and avoid drive-killing penalties. Establishing the run with Cedric Baxter Jr. will also help keep the defense honest.
• Key Matchup: Texas’ tackles versus Ohio State’s edge rushers. Winning this battle is critical for offensive success.

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3. Force Turnovers and Short Fields

Ohio State’s offense, powered by Will Howard and their dynamic backfield of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, is built for sustained drives. To disrupt their rhythm, Texas must generate turnovers and create short fields.

• What Texas Must Do:
  Jaylan Ford, Texas’ playmaking linebacker, and the secondary must anticipate passes and capitalize on mistakes. Aggressive defensive schemes, including blitzes and disguised coverages, could force errant throws or fumbles.
• Key Stat: Winning the turnover margin by at least +2 significantly boosts Texas’ chances.

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4. Control Time of Possession

Keeping Ohio State’s offense off the field is crucial. Texas can achieve this by dominating time of possession through methodical drives and converting on third downs.

• What Texas Must Do:
  Lean on Cedric Baxter Jr. to pound the ball and sustain drives. Mixing in quick, high-percentage passes will help move the chains and keep Ohio State’s defense guessing.

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5. Special Teams Excellence

In tight games, special teams often make the difference. Texas must ensure perfect execution in the kicking game and look for opportunities to gain an edge.

• What Texas Must Do:
  A timely punt return or blocked kick could swing momentum in Texas’ favor. Kicker Bert Auburn must capitalize on every scoring opportunity, especially in a game where points will be at a premium.

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X-Factor: Quinn Ewers

Ewers has the unique motivation of facing his former program, and his performance will dictate Texas’ fate. If he can stay composed, avoid turnovers, and make big plays, the Longhorns have a real shot at pulling the upset.

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Prediction if Texas Executes

If Texas can control the clock, protect Ewers, and force turnovers, they could shock the college football world. It would take a complete team effort, but the Longhorns have the talent to match up with Ohio State when firing on all cylinders.

Final Score (if Texas wins): Texas 28, Ohio State 27

How Can Texas Possibly Beat Ohio State?