The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Texas 28-14 in a thrilling college football matchup, a game that highlighted the prowess of both teams but ultimately saw Ohio State’s defense and balanced offensive attack prevail. This game, held on a neutral field, was expected to be an intense showdown between two storied programs with championship aspirations. The Buckeyes were coming off a strong season and looking to prove their dominance early in the year, while Texas was eager to establish its return to prominence under new leadership.
In this piece, we’ll break down the five key takeaways from the game—looking at the standout performances, strategies, and pivotal moments that shaped the outcome. This victory over Texas provided plenty of insight into Ohio State’s strengths and weaknesses and gave fans and analysts alike much to ponder about the future of both programs.
1. Ohio State’s Defense Shines with Key Stops
One of the defining factors in Ohio State’s 28-14 win was their defense, which turned in a dominant performance. The Buckeyes made key stops at critical moments, preventing Texas from mounting any consistent offensive pressure. Throughout the game, Ohio State’s defense displayed its physicality, intelligence, and depth, showcasing why they are one of the most feared defensive units in college football.
In particular, the defensive line was stellar, constantly pressuring Texas’ quarterback and not allowing the Longhorns’ offense to find a rhythm. Ohio State’s defensive front was in the backfield all night, generating pressure on passing plays and stifling Texas’ running game. The defensive line’s relentless pursuit of the quarterback led to several key sacks, and they were able to limit the Longhorns to just a few big plays.
The linebacker corps, led by a senior leader, was equally impressive. They were able to cover sideline to sideline, playing with both speed and awareness. Their ability to read the play and adjust accordingly disrupted Texas’ offensive flow. Ohio State’s secondary also had a solid performance, as they were able to limit the Longhorns’ big-play ability. The defensive backs were on high alert, preventing Texas’ wide receivers from breaking free down the field.
One of the most critical moments came late in the game when Ohio State’s defense held strong on a fourth-and-1 attempt from the 30-yard line. Texas was pushing to make a comeback, but the Buckeyes made a stand that effectively sealed the game. This was a statement from Ohio State’s defense, proving that they could execute in clutch situations and were a major force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape.
2. Quarterback Play: Stroud vs. Manning
The battle between quarterbacks C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Arch Manning of Texas was eagerly anticipated, and both quarterbacks showed flashes of brilliance—albeit with some growing pains.
C.J. Stroud was poised and efficient throughout the game. As the leader of Ohio State’s offense, he made crucial throws when the Buckeyes needed them most. Stroud displayed excellent poise in the pocket, rarely forcing throws, and his decision-making was impressive. While he wasn’t always able to connect on the long ball, he executed short-to-medium-range passes with precision, moving the chains and managing the clock effectively. His leadership was evident, especially in the second half, when Ohio State began to pull away. Stroud’s ability to maintain composure and make key throws, including two touchdown passes, played a significant role in Ohio State’s victory.
On the other hand, Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback for Texas, faced significant challenges. The immense pressure of the game, combined with Ohio State’s stout defense, made it a tough night for Manning. He showed moments of brilliance, showcasing his strong arm and the potential that made him one of the top recruits in the nation. However, Manning struggled with accuracy at times and was unable to make quick adjustments under pressure. The Buckeyes’ defense was able to make Manning uncomfortable in the pocket, forcing him into several bad decisions that resulted in incomplete passes or turnovers. Manning’s performance, though, was not entirely without promise. His resilience, composure under pressure, and ability to bounce back after mistakes were indicative of the potential that Texas fans are excited about. However, it’s clear that Manning will need more development to become the consistent, game-changing quarterback Texas will need to contend with the elite teams in college football.
3. Ohio State’s Balanced Offensive Attack
While much of the focus in this game was on the quarterbacks, Ohio State’s success was built on a well-rounded offensive game plan that blended both the run and pass efficiently. Ohio State’s offensive coordinator called an excellent game, maintaining a balanced approach that kept Texas’ defense on its heels.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson was a key contributor in Ohio State’s victory, racking up over 100 yards on the ground and contributing two touchdowns. Henderson’s combination of speed, vision, and power allowed Ohio State to establish the run early and set the tone. His performance helped to open up the passing game for Stroud, as Texas was forced to respect Ohio State’s ability to control the line of scrimmage.
The offensive line also deserves credit for Ohio State’s success on the ground. They dominated the trenches, opening up huge holes for Henderson and providing Stroud with plenty of time to survey the field. The Buckeyes’ offensive line was able to neutralize Texas’ defensive front, giving their skill players the opportunity to make plays.
The versatility of Ohio State’s offense also stood out. Tight end Cade Stover was heavily involved in the passing game, contributing some critical catches that kept drives alive. The receiving corps, led by Marvin Harrison Jr., was also a key part of Ohio State’s attack. Harrison demonstrated his elite route running and ability to make contested catches, including a crucial touchdown grab late in the game that helped put the contest out of reach.
4. Texas Struggles in the Red Zone
One of the most notable aspects of the game was Texas’ inability to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone. The Longhorns had several chances to score in Ohio State territory but struggled to convert those opportunities into touchdowns.
Texas moved the ball relatively well between the 20-yard lines but faltered when it came to finishing drives. Whether it was penalties, poor decision-making, or missed execution, the Longhorns were unable to punch the ball into the end zone on multiple occasions. In one particular instance, Texas had first-and-goal from the 7-yard line but was forced to settle for a field goal after failing to execute on three straight plays. These missed chances proved costly as Ohio State’s defense stiffened in critical moments, making it difficult for Texas to get back into the game.
The inability to finish drives is something Texas will need to address moving forward if they want to compete at the highest level. Despite a solid overall effort on offense, the Longhorns could not capitalize in the most crucial part of the field, and it cost them in the end.
5. Coaching Adjustments and Game Management
Coaching was a big factor in this contest, as both programs were led by experienced, highly-regarded staffs. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day, made several key adjustments throughout the game that helped secure the victory. Early on, it was clear that Texas was having some success in the passing game, but Ohio State’s defensive coordinator made adjustments that allowed the Buckeyes to take away some of those passing lanes and force Manning into uncomfortable situations.
Ohio State’s offensive staff also did a great job of mixing up play calling. They knew when to give Stroud a chance to make a big play, and when to lean on the running game to keep the clock moving. In particular, their ability to balance tempo and control the game’s pace allowed Ohio State to dictate the flow of the game and keep Texas from gaining any momentum.
On the flip side, Texas’ coaching staff was faced with some difficult decisions. While the Longhorns showed promise, the lack of adjustments, especially in the red zone, ultimately led to their downfall. Head coach Steve Sarkisian will need to make some improvements in situational play calling and game management if he wants to see Texas reach the heights it aspires to.
