This weekend, Austin is the center of the college football universe. Everyone’s calling the Texas Longhorns versus Ohio State game the “Game of the Year,” and it is easy to see why. While the stars on both sides will be shining, it is the Longhorns’ sneaky x-factors that are going to make or break this absolute heavyweight brawl. Texas needs some unsung heroes to step up, and five players are ready to deliver that small margin of difference.
Manning’s Legs and Townsend’s Breakout Moment Are Key for the Offense
First up, you know Arch Manning is going to have his fingerprints all over this one, win or lose. But here is the real kicker: his legs. The Texas rushing attack was totally hit-or-miss against Texas State, and Arch did not even touch the designed run game at all. That is about to change this Saturday, especially early. They have to force those Ohio State edge defenders and linebackers to constantly think about Manning scrambling or taking off. That pressure is exactly what Smothers and Brown need to get their running lanes consistently open. This is not just about moving the chains, it is about owning the line of scrimmage.
Then there is tight end Nick Townsend. In a game overflowing with elite wide receivers, the tight ends could be absolute game-changers in the receiving game. For Texas, Townsend is the guy who can consistently swing momentum. Sure, Emaree Winston, Spencer Shannon, and Michael Masunas will get looks, but Townsend is the absolute key. His blocking up front is crucial for the run game, and his athleticism in the open field? Pure gold. If there was ever a moment for a massive breakout performance from a tight end, it is this weekend, under these lights.
The Longhorns’ Defensive X-Factors Are Ready to Exploit Ohio State’s Weakness
On the defensive side, it looks like Ohio State’s offensive line is a real concern, just like Texas’s heading into this showdown. The Buckeyes are still figuring out their starting five, with right tackle being a big question mark. It sounds like they might even shuffle Austin Siereveld from right guard to right tackle, and if that happens, it breaks up their talented and experienced interior line. That is where Justus Terry comes in. He is the guy who can exploit that opening, especially as a pass rusher, making Julian Sayin feel totally uncomfortable in the pocket. You have got to get to the quarterback, and Terry is perfectly positioned to do it.
And let us talk about Lance Jackson. Texas has been good at keeping Jeremiah Smith quiet, and Ohio State has been just as good at limiting Colin Simmons. Simmons has not recorded a single sack against the Buckeyes and only had six tackles in two games against them. Part of that is the lack of a strong pass-rushing threat opposite him. Jackson is not known as an elite pass rusher, but if he can bring early pressure, it forces Ohio State to divert attention away from Simmons. Elite wide receivers feed off each other, and so do elite pass rushers. Jackson and Simmons absolutely have to play off each other on Saturday night for that Texas pass rush to have any real success.
Finally, we have cornerback Kade Phillips. The secondary is staring down one of the toughest challenges in the sport: keeping Jeremiah Smith in check. With plenty of help, Phillips is Texas’s best bet to do that. His elite length and physicality are going to be incredibly important against Smith and the rest of the Ohio State receivers. He had some good and bad moments against Texas State, allowing only seven yards on four targets, according to PFF. Phillips needs to live up to every bit of his potential on Saturday night, because he is going to see the absolute best Ohio State has to offer.
These aren’t just role players. These are the difference-makers for Texas in what everyone is calling the “Game of the Year.” Get ready, because these guys are about to bring the noise!
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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