Three Longhorn Strengths That Could Help Texas Defeat Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the pinnacle of college football, where teams from across the country come together to determine the best team. Among the contenders for the national championship, the Texas Longhorns have made an impressive return to the spotlight. A showdown against Ohio State would be an exciting clash between two historic college football programs, and while Ohio State is always a tough opponent, Texas has several strengths that could give them the upper hand. In this piece, we will explore three key strengths of the Texas Longhorns that could potentially lead them to a victory over Ohio State in the CFP.

1. Dynamic Offensive Playmaking

One of Texas’ biggest strengths heading into the College Football Playoffs is their explosive offense. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have cultivated an offense capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the country, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, known for their offensive firepower.

At the heart of the Texas offense is their talented quarterback, Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who has showcased significant growth during his time at Texas, has the ability to pick apart defenses with his strong arm and poise under pressure. His leadership on the field is one of the key factors in Texas’ offensive success. Ewers’ ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws will be crucial against an Ohio State defense that has been known to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers.

Ewers is surrounded by a group of playmakers who can turn any moment into a game-changing one. Running back Bijan Robinson, widely regarded as one of the best in the nation, is a force on the ground. Robinson is not only a powerful runner between the tackles, but he also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, adding another dimension to the offense. His ability to break tackles and change direction with ease makes him a difficult player for defenses to contain. Against Ohio State’s defense, which has shown occasional vulnerability in defending the run, Robinson could play a pivotal role in wearing down their front seven and opening up the passing game for Ewers.

Texas also boasts a talented receiving corps, including standout players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. Worthy’s ability to stretch the field with his speed and deep-ball threat will be critical in forcing Ohio State to respect both the short and long passing game. Whittington, on the other hand, is a reliable route runner who can make tough catches in critical situations. With multiple weapons at his disposal, Ewers has the opportunity to attack Ohio State’s secondary in different ways, potentially exploiting mismatches and creating big plays.

The offensive line, while not perfect, has shown improvement in both run blocking and pass protection. This improvement will be vital against an Ohio State defense that has some of the most talented pass rushers in the country. If the Texas offensive line can give Ewers time to make throws and allow Robinson to establish a strong running game, the Longhorns’ offense could be hard for Ohio State to slow down.

2. Defensive Resilience and Playmaking

While Texas has been known for its offensive prowess, their defense has also been a significant strength this season, and it is one of the key factors that could help them neutralize Ohio State’s potent offense. The Longhorns’ defense has become increasingly aggressive under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and this aggressiveness could be critical in slowing down Ohio State’s dynamic playmakers, especially quarterback CJ Stroud and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.

One of the most notable strengths of the Texas defense is their ability to rush the passer. Led by edge rusher Ovie Oghoufo and linebacker Jaylan Ford, Texas has a front seven that can create constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ohio State’s offensive line has been solid but not impenetrable, and Stroud has shown signs of being uncomfortable when pressured. The Longhorns’ ability to disrupt Stroud’s rhythm with consistent pass rush could force him into making mistakes, whether that be in the form of errant throws or turning the ball over. The pressure could also lead to hurried decisions, which Texas’ secondary, with players like Jalen Catalon and Ryan Watts, could capitalize on.

The secondary has been a bit of a mixed bag for Texas this season, but when they are playing at their best, they are capable of matching up with top-tier wide receivers. Catalon, a hard-hitting safety, provides support both in coverage and against the run. The Longhorns’ cornerbacks, including Watts, have shown the ability to stick with receivers in man coverage and provide solid run support. While Ohio State’s receiving corps is undeniably talented, Texas has the athleticism and depth to challenge them at every level.

In addition to the secondary’s coverage abilities, Texas is also solid in run defense. Ohio State, despite being known for its passing attack, has a strong rushing game led by tailback TreVeyon Henderson. Texas has proven to be effective at stopping the run, and if they can contain Henderson and force Ohio State into passing situations, they will have a much better chance of controlling the flow of the game. By focusing on gap discipline and wrapping up tacklers, the Longhorns could limit Ohio State’s ability to gain consistent yards on the ground.

Another important element of Texas’ defensive strength is their ability to create turnovers. Whether through fumbles, interceptions, or forcing hurried throws, the Longhorns’ defense has been opportunistic. In a high-stakes playoff game, turnovers can be game-changers, and if Texas can force Stroud into mistakes, they will put their offense in favorable field position to capitalize.

3. Special Teams and Coaching Experience

While not always the first area of focus, special teams can often be the difference in close games, and Texas has a distinct advantage in this area. The Longhorns’ special teams have been efficient all season long, and this could prove crucial in a matchup against a team like Ohio State, where every possession counts.

Kicker Bert Auburn has been reliable in the kicking game, which could come into play during a low-scoring, defensive battle. A reliable kicker gives Texas the confidence to take risks when needed, knowing they can rely on Auburn to convert field goals in critical moments. Additionally, the Longhorns’ return game, featuring players like Worthy, adds an element of explosiveness that could turn a short punt or kickoff into a significant yardage gain, potentially setting up easier scoring opportunities.

Coaching is another strength for Texas. Steve Sarkisian, in his second season with the Longhorns, has demonstrated growth as a play-caller and game manager. He has shown the ability to adjust in-game, make critical decisions, and keep his team focused during high-pressure moments. Sarkisian’s experience in big games and his knowledge of Ohio State’s offensive and defensive schemes will allow him to develop a game plan that maximizes Texas’ strengths while exploiting Ohio State’s weaknesses.

Moreover, Texas has been in several close and high-pressure games this season, which should give them the mental fortitude to remain composed in a high-stakes playoff setting. Ohio State, while experienced in the postseason, will also be under pressure, and the ability to stay calm and execute under pressure will be crucial. If Sarkisian can lead the Longhorns to make the right adjustments throughout the game, Texas will be well-equipped to keep up with or even outsmart Ohio State in critical moments.