The hype around Ohio State vs. Texas is already sky-high, with future NFL stars like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, and Julian Sayin taking center stage. But according to college football analyst RJ Young, the biggest game-changers might not be under center or out wide. Instead, he’s zeroing in on the trenches and the play callers.
“Casual fans love the fireworks,” Young said on his podcast. “But if you play defense and run the football, you can do whatever you want. If you can do those two things, you can win championships.” In Young’s eyes, that classic formula, not just quarterback heroics, could determine who comes out on top when the Buckeyes and Longhorns clash.
Analyst RJ Young Highlights Ohio State’s Rushing Attack, Steve Sarkisian’s Offensive Schemes
RJ Young emphasized that Ohio State’s ground game will be under the microscope. “I tend to wonder just what the run game is going to look like, though, for Ohio State,” he said. With James Peoples and CJ Donaldson expected to split carries, Young believes the Buckeyes could pound out yardage the old-fashioned way.
A freshman standout could be the unexpected X-factor. “James Peoples would’ve been the freshman everyone talked about if Jeremiah Smith didn’t show up as an actual alien,” Young joked. Donaldson brings veteran muscle to complement Peoples’ burst.
On the flip side, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian brings one of the most deceptive offenses in the country.
“He wants to put you in binds,” Young said. “Are you going to try to take away the run? Cool. Come downhill. We’re going to complete it over the top of you.” That kind of misdirection could challenge Ohio State’s typically disciplined defense.
Young also pointed out how Sarkisian’s schemes turn good running backs into game-breakers.
“Each year he’s had a thousand-yard back,” Young reminded. “When he can run the football, cancel Christmas.” If Texas gets its ground game rolling, the Buckeyes could be in for a long afternoon.
Despite the star power, Young says fans need to look beyond just Manning or Smith.
“Everybody wants to talk about the quarterbacks,” he said, “but most of the damage J.J. McCarthy did was off play action. That only works if you can run the ball and force defenses to bite.”
Young noted that Sarkisian’s offense doesn’t rely on just one player.
“He loves motion, putting guys in weird spots, and fooling you with your own eyes,” Young said. That approach could help Arch Manning or Julian Sayin find rhythm, even against an elite Buckeye defense. And it’s not like Ohio State is short on weapons beyond Smith.
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“If they want to take away Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate is over there, Brandon Inniss is over there,” Young said. Depth at receiver could open up play-action opportunities if the Buckeyes can run the ball well enough to set it up.
Young believes this game could come down to which team controls tempo.
“You play defense, you run the football, you can win a bunch of games that aren’t high scoring,” he said. Flashy stars may dominate the headlines, but the real battle might be in the trenches.
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