The Texas Longhorns are staring down the barrel of an absolutely massive opportunity to prove they are for real against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. After losing their last two matchups against OSU, and facing a brutal 0-5 record in their last five games against teams like Ohio State and Georgia, this game is as close to a must-win as it gets for Steve Sarkisian’s crew. Columnists Cedric Golden and Kirk Bohls are both calling it out: a loss would absolutely gut the Longhorns’ margin for error and keep painting them as a program that just can’t get over the hump.
Arch Manning’s Reputation Rests On This Game
If the Longhorns can’t pull this off, the reputations of both Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning are going to take a major hit. Golden is warning that being 1-1 with six more ranked opponents on the schedule is a nightmare scenario. Texas *has* to get off to a hot start, which means scoring a first-quarter touchdown, something they haven’t done in those last five tough games. But Bohls and Golden both see the Horns pulling it off, with Bohls predicting a tight 27-24 win for Texas, and Golden going a bit wilder at 34-30. If that offensive line can actually hold up, this is Sarkisian’s moment for that signature win.
Sarkisian’s Offensive Balance vs. Buckeye Power
So, how does Texas get it done? Bohls thinks Sarkisian won’t be throwing it 40 times. He expects quick-release, short-drop passes from Manning early to keep Ohio State’s defense on their heels and open up the run game. Sarkisian preaches balance, so Bohls is looking at maybe 32 passes, but Manning *has* to be accurate, probably completing 68% of his throws for Texas to have any shot. Golden, though? He says “Heck yeah!” to 38 or more passes, arguing you win with your best players, and that’s Manning, Cam Coleman, and Ryan Wingo. He points out that Sarkisian can pass to set up the run just as easily. This isn’t just any defense either: Ohio State sent three first-rounders , Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles , to the NFL from that defense. Arch will have to play incredibly well.
Aggies Secondary Is The Real Deal, ASU’s Just A Speedbump
Meanwhile, over in College Station, Mike Elko’s Texas A&M squad is looking to go 2-0, and there’s basically no chance Arizona State is springing an upset. ASU’s Cutter Boley threw for 387 yards and six touchdowns against Morgan State, but let’s be real, that’s Morgan State. He went 4-6 as a starter at Kentucky, throwing 15 touchdowns but also 12 interceptions. While three ASU receivers went over 100 yards in that game, A&M’s strength is absolutely their secondary. They are going to carry Elko’s team to a 35-14 win. Look for A&M’s defense to absolutely shut down any hope of an upset.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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