Texas’ Four-Step Plan to Beat Ohio State: “We’ve Got to Keep Harping on Finishing”

As the University of Texas Longhorns prepare for a highly anticipated showdown with Ohio State, one of the nation’s premier college football programs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both teams boasting rich football histories, talented rosters, and passionate fan bases, this matchup has garnered significant attention. Yet, Texas is not backing down from the challenge. In fact, their approach to defeating Ohio State hinges on a carefully designed four-step plan that emphasizes execution, mindset, and resilience.

1. Establishing Dominance in the Trenches

The first step in Texas’ plan is to establish dominance in the trenches — specifically on the offensive line. The Longhorns know that in order to compete with an Ohio State defense known for its ferocity and speed, they must win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Texas’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths throughout the season, and they’ll need to continue that trend against a powerful Ohio State front seven.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of winning the line of scrimmage early and often. The Longhorns need to create running lanes for their talented running backs, giving quarterback Quinn Ewers the time and space to find open receivers downfield. Texas has a solid running back rotation led by Jonathan Brooks, who has proven himself as a reliable and explosive option out of the backfield. However, for Brooks to be effective, the offensive line must consistently control the Ohio State defensive line and linebackers.

Additionally, in the passing game, Ewers will need to maintain clean pockets in order to progress through his reads and make accurate throws. Ohio State’s defense, led by its athletic edge rushers and linebackers, is known for its ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback’s rhythm. Texas’ offensive line will have to neutralize this by giving Ewers the necessary time to operate within the pocket.

The second piece of this step is to focus on the quick passing game. Texas cannot afford to stand still and let Ohio State’s pass rushers take advantage of any perceived weaknesses in the line. Quick throws, such as slants, outs, and quick screens, will keep Ohio State’s pass rushers on their toes and prevent them from getting comfortable. This strategy also helps Texas avoid putting too much pressure on the offensive line and limits Ohio State’s ability to disrupt the offense.

2. Controlling the Game’s Tempo

The second step in Texas’ plan to beat Ohio State involves controlling the tempo of the game. Ohio State has historically been known for its explosive offense, driven by speed, precision, and big-play potential. However, Texas believes that by dictating the pace of the game, they can reduce Ohio State’s opportunities for big plays and put pressure on their offense to execute in tighter windows.

Texas plans to use a balanced offensive attack to control the clock. By mixing up the run and pass effectively, they will keep the Ohio State defense on its heels. Running the ball will be key in wearing down the Ohio State defensive front and limiting the number of possessions the Buckeyes’ offense has. Texas knows that by keeping Ohio State’s high-powered offense off the field, they can prevent them from building momentum.

In addition to running the ball effectively, Texas plans to focus on controlling the pace with tempo. The Longhorns want to play fast when the situation allows it, pushing the ball down the field before Ohio State’s defense can get set. At the same time, they also want to slow the game down when needed, using clock management to dictate when and how fast the game is played. This strategy will frustrate Ohio State’s defense, which thrives on speed and aggression.

The use of tempo will also extend to special teams, with Texas focusing on winning the field position battle. A well-executed special teams game can flip the field and create favorable situations for the offense. Whether it’s a punter pinning Ohio State deep in their territory or an explosive return that sets up good field position, special teams play can be a crucial factor in controlling the tempo and flow of the game.

3. Limiting Ohio State’s Explosive Plays

The third step in Texas’ strategy involves limiting Ohio State’s explosive plays, which have been a hallmark of the Buckeyes’ offense. Ohio State has a deep and talented roster, led by their dynamic quarterback, wide receivers, and running backs. The Buckeyes are known for their ability to score in bunches, often hitting on long passes or breakaway runs. Texas’ defensive game plan is simple: limit the big plays and force Ohio State to execute consistently over long drives.

Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has made it clear that his defense must remain disciplined and maintain a “bend but don’t break” mentality. Ohio State is more than capable of striking quickly, so Texas will need to play smart, sound football to avoid giving up easy touchdowns. This means staying in position in the secondary, maintaining good coverage, and forcing Ohio State to earn every yard.

In the back end, Texas’ defensive backs, led by standout cornerbacks like Ryan Watts and Jerrin Thompson, will have to be on high alert. Ohio State’s receiving corps is stacked with fast, physical players capable of creating mismatches on any given play. The Longhorns’ secondary will need to be physical at the line of scrimmage, disrupting Ohio State’s timing, and maintaining tight coverage throughout the route. A key focus will also be limiting yards after the catch, which has been a major strength of the Ohio State offense.

Texas’ defense also needs to account for Ohio State’s dual-threat quarterback. The Buckeyes’ signal-caller is not just capable of making plays with his arm but also his legs. Mobile quarterbacks have traditionally given the Longhorns’ defense trouble, so keeping the quarterback in the pocket and preventing him from scrambling for yardage will be critical. Linebackers and defensive ends must stay disciplined, maintaining their lanes and staying aware of Ohio State’s quarterback running ability.

One of the ways Texas plans to limit Ohio State’s explosive plays is by applying pressure on the quarterback. The Longhorns have a strong defensive line led by edge rushers like Barryn Sorrell and T’Vondre Sweat, who can generate pressure and disrupt the timing of the Buckeyes’ offense. However, they’ll need to balance this pressure with solid coverage in the secondary, as Ohio State’s quick-strike offense thrives on having time to develop plays downfield.

4. Maintaining Mental Toughness and “Finishing” the Game

The final, and perhaps most important, step in Texas’ plan is to maintain mental toughness and finish the game. In high-stakes matchups like this, every play counts, and mental fortitude can make the difference between a win and a loss. Texas’ coaching staff has placed a heavy emphasis on “finishing” — playing through adversity and executing when it matters most.

The Longhorns know that Ohio State is a team that won’t give up easily. Even when they face adversity, the Buckeyes are capable of bouncing back and putting up points in a hurry. Texas must remain calm and collected, avoiding costly mistakes and staying focused on executing their game plan from start to finish. In key moments, such as third downs, red-zone opportunities, and late-game situations, Texas must be able to make the plays necessary to seal the victory.

A critical component of finishing the game is maintaining discipline and composure. Texas cannot afford to get caught up in the high intensity of the moment and risk making penalties or taking bad risks. Whether it’s a timely sack, a key third-down conversion, or a critical defensive stop, Texas needs to execute in the clutch moments.

Sarkisian has also emphasized the need for Texas to lean on its leaders, including quarterback Quinn Ewers and linebacker Jaylan Ford, to set the tone. These leaders need to keep the team focused and motivated, no matter what happens during the game. If Texas can maintain their poise and stay true to their principles, they will be in a good position to finish the game strong.