After against Ball State last Saturday, turns its attention to a major collision down in Austin, Texas, with a top-five getting the better of the burnt orange in the semifinal Cotton Bowl in 2024, and then again in the 'Shoe last season.
But each year is different, and it'll be a tall order for Ohio State to win in the unfriendly confines of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Sometimes, we are lucky enough to match up with a fellow College Wires site, and that's what we have here with some perspective from . They do a great job covering all things Texas, and we asked Trey Luerssen to give us a view of this game from the On a budding rivalry between Ohio State and Texas
QUESTION: Buckeyes Wire (BW) - This is the third meeting between Texas and Ohio State in the last three seasons. Are Longhorn fans beginning to feel like there's a little rivalry between the two programs? Is there a little hatred for all things Scarlet and Gray because of the last two meetings?
ANSWER: Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire (TL) - It is fascinating to me that these two old-school blue-blood programs didn't play each other until 2005. But the reconfigured college football playoff has coincided with the contracted home-and-home series; Texas has played Ohio State more in the past three years than Texas A&M. Who knows, this might not even be the last time they play this year. There is a sense of rivalry. But there is with any other big program.
On Arch Manning and his development at Texas
QUESTION: (BW) - Arch Manning had a bit of a disappointing season last year but played pretty well at the end. How are Texas fans when it comes to what they think of Manning? Do you think he's primed for a big year in 2026?
ANSWER: (TL) - I do think he will have a big year. His main obstacle this season will be the difficulty of Texas' schedule. Manning went to a small private high school in New Orleans. He played two and a half games his redshirt freshman year, where the toughest opponent was Mississippi State. Before Ohio State in Week 1 last season, he'd never, ever had to face a really good defense. And it showed in Columbus. But you could see him learning on the job as the season went on. Longhorns fans saw, in real time, Manning figuring out what worked and what didn't. He also started running more. Arch's speed is deceptive. As an aside, I'm not convinced Manning turns pro after this season. No Manning has ever left college early. The family believes the college experience is important and shouldn't be rushed. He will be a "fully realized" Arch Manning when he turns pro.
What Texas needs to do to beat Ohio State
QUESTION: (BW) - Texas is favored in this one, but barely. If the Longhorns are to win this game, how will the game look?
ANSWER: (TL) - It is hard to imagine this is anything but a close game. Both teams are very good. This game is like the flip side of last year's game. In 2005, Texas was No. 1 and had to travel to Columbus. Ohio State was ranked No. 3, and the Buckeyes were favored … barely. It should be higher scoring, but it wouldn't be a surprise if UT takes the back end of the home-and-home in another close game.
What worries Texas fans the most about this game against Ohio State
QUESTION: (BW) - What are Texas fans worried about the most about Ohio State this year? Is there an anticipation for the game, or a little anxiety, or both?
ANSWER: (TL) - Definitely both. There's a lot of anticipation. Longhorns fans want to return the favor. They also want Texas to win the national title. To do that, you're going to have to beat a lot of good teams along the way. Seven of the 12 teams on UT's schedule are ranked. Obviously, the Buckeyes are ranked the highest. There's always anxiety (or there should be) when your team faces another powerhouse. Longhorns fans think they are better this year. But nobody, not even the coaches or players, knows if they are until the final whistle.
On an under-the-radar player for Texas vs. Ohio State
QUESTION: (BW) - Give Ohio State fans a sense of an underrated player on Texas to keep an eye on.
ANSWER: (TL) - I'm going to say linebacker Rasheem Biles. He has had a lot of preseason hype down here. But I'm not sure how much the country has seen him after spending the beginning of his career at Pitt. When it's all said and done, he might be a top-five LB in the nation.
On how bad the last two losses vs. Ohio State stung Texas fans
QUESTION: (BW) - How bad did the CFP loss to Ohio State sting for Texas fans? What about last year?
ANSWER: (TL) - The CFP semifinal in the Cotton Bowl did sting. But the reaction was a bit odd. Quinn Ewers got most of the blame. Somehow, that was a coping mechanism for Texas fans who couldn't wait for the Manning era to begin. He didn't have a great game, but there was more to that loss than just Ewers. Texas' defenses under former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski really struggled against good teams. I think that's one reason UT fans are so happy to have Will Muschamp back. As for last year, the expectations by the media and Longhorns fans that Manning would be Tom Brady from the get-go led to a huge letdown after that game. It was like the balloon popped and reality set in.
A score prediction for Ohio State vs. Texas. Who wins?
QUESTION: (BW) - If you are comfortable, give us your score for the game and why?
ANSWER: (TL) - I do think Texas wins. Some of it is because I think Arch is better. Some of it is because Muschamp is back. Ultimately, I think the weather in Austin is going to play a big part in this game. Texas opened its new state-of-the-art football practice facility last Friday. UT had no indoor facility for the past nine months and practiced the entire spring and fall in the Texas heat. August is always the hottest month in the Lone Star State, but this August has been hotter than most. Even though the game is at night, I think the Buckeyes are going to struggle with the heat late in the game. It wears on you. Especially if you're not used to it. Final Score: Ohio State 27, Texas 31
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire:
