When Texas heads to Columbus on August 30 to take on Ohio State, it will not only mark the start of the Longhorns’ football season, but it will also serve as a statement game that could set the tone for both programs’ championship hopes.
ESPN’s Harry Douglas has made his prediction, and it might surprise some people. The former NFL receiver is predicting the visiting Longhorns will pull off what many view as an upset in the Horseshoe. He sees one specific area of Texas’ roster having a huge impact against Ryan Day’s squad.
“I’m going fiction,” Douglas declared when asked whether Ohio State defeating Texas should be considered a foregone conclusion.
There is no discounting the factor of Arch Manning standing under center for Texas. He may not yet have extensive game experience, but his pedigree and preparation state that he will not be scared in Columbus. Manning’s ability to move with his legs could create headaches for the Ohio State defense.
At the core of Douglas’ point is Texas’s ability to pressure quarterbacks to disrupt an offense’s rhythm. Last season, the Longhorns put their defensive identity, layered with continued speed, physicality, and intelligence, in ways that had offensive coordinators in the Big 12 ripping their hair out throughout the season.
Texas Defense Could Neutralize Ohio State’s Offensive Weapons
Anthony Hill Jr. is the star of the comeback. The combination of range and instincts at linebacker gives Texas’ defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski, the ability to run various formations without losing any integrity in coverage. Hill’s ability to read a play before it even starts gives the Longhorns a piece that few other programs have.
Hill is not alone. Colin Simmons adds an added pass-rushing element that complements Hill’s coverage. The defensive end’s motor is on from the first snap to the last whistle, creating constant pressure on a quarterback that often puts them into uncomfortable situations.
Douglas emphasized how this defensive continuity gives Texas a significant advantage.
“That defense for Texas will be great again for a second year in a row,” he noted.
Michael Taaffe provides another platform that this defensive puzzle can use to take flight. The preseason All-American offers flexibility to Texas, allowing them to defend multiple offensive alignments without giving anything away. His coverage skills in the secondary are an example of the level of reliability that championship-level defenses require.
Douglas still believes that Texas’ defensive scheme can hold up against whatever is thrown their way from Ohio State. The Longhorns can rotate fresh bodies and still maintain the necessary intensity to play defense, which will be important in a contest that will likely come down to which team makes fewer critical errors.
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