{"id":433917,"date":"2026-09-12T13:34:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-12T13:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/433917\/"},"modified":"2026-09-12T13:34:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T13:34:11","slug":"three-questions-texas-must-answer-vs-ohio-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/433917\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Questions Texas Must Answer vs. Ohio State"},"content":{"rendered":"

The time has finally arrived. One of the biggest games this season will kick off in Austin as the No. 4 Texas Longhorns host the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes. The stakes are high for both teams as they eye their goals beyond the regular season.<\/p>\n

Ohio State bested Texas 14-7 in last year’s season opener. Neither offense executed at a high level, but the Buckeyes did just enough to win. Now, the Buckeyes travel to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, which could be a massive advantage for the Longhorns<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This game is littered with star talent, but here are three questions Texas must answer on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Can the Secondary Slow Down Jeremiah Smith One More Time?\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

It’s no secret that Jeremiah Smith <\/a>is one of the best offensive weapons in the country. He’s a gifted wide receiver who can swing momentum in the blink of an eye. However, Smith hasn’t been as dominant against Texas in the two previous meetings.<\/p>\n

Last year, Smith caught six passes for 43 yards. In the 2024 College Football Playoff Semifinal, Smith had one catch for three yards. It would be a huge win for Will Muschamp’s defense if they can repeat that success on Saturday. <\/p>\n

Muschamp will throw multiple coverages at Smith throughout the game. If the Longhorns’ secondary wins that battle, it should bode well for Texas.<\/p>\n

Who Makes a Game-Changing Play?\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

In last year’s game, no one on the Longhorns made a game-altering play. To get a win on Saturday, someone must do something out of the ordinary. Can Muschamp’s defense create a takeaway to give the offense a short field?<\/p>\n

Whether it’s a Colin Simmons strip sack, a Jelani McDonald interception, or a big kickoff return, Texas has to create a big play to get the home crowd buzzing. Maybe the offense does enough to win on its own, but it feels like this game will need a massive play from the defense or special teams.<\/p>\n

Can Arch Manning Get a Signature Win?\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

You could certainly argue that last year’s wins against Texas A&M and Oklahoma were signature wins for Arch Manning. But this could be “the” moment for Manning.<\/p>\n

Last year’s game was a struggle. Manning was uncomfortable and indecisive with his reads. Now, he gets a second chance at redemption<\/a>. A loss may not end the season, but a win looks really good on the Longhorns’ resume. <\/p>\n

If Manning can slow the game down and play at his pace, Texas should move the ball successfully. This game could rest on Manning’s shoulders.<\/p>\n

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