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LGHL It looked different vs. Texas, but the Big Play Buckeyes didn’t disappoint
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It looked different vs. Texas, but the Big Play Buckeyes didn’t disappoint
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
TreVeyon Henderson and Jack Sawyer provided a pair of plays that will live in Ohio State lore for eternity.
For the Ohio State Buckeyes, the first two rounds of the College Football Playoffs were defined by big plays. Long touchdown passes to Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka were commonplace in the team’s wins against the Tennessee Volunteers and Oregon Ducks. While things looked markedly different for OSU against the Texas Longhorns on Friday night in the Cotton Bowl Classic, one thing remained enduringly consistent: The Buckeyes’ best players can be relied upon to make big plays... and did they ever?
After quarterback Will Howard methodically marched the Buckeyes down the field for a touchdown on the Scarlet and Gray’s first possession of the game, the sledding got significantly tougher for the OSU offense. The second drive was effectively stalled by an uncharacteristic unsportsmanlike call on TreVeyon Henderson, and the third drive was hampered by an Emeka Egbuka holding penalty.
By mid-second quarter, the momentum from the opening score had been squandered. As time was running out in the first half, UT quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with running back Jaydon Blue for an 18-yard touchdown to seemingly send the teams into halftime tied at 7—except that’s not what happened.
After the ensuing kickoff resulted in a touchback, there were only 28 seconds left on the clock. Considering that Ohio State was at its own 25 and got the ball after halftime, I assumed that Ryan Day might not want to risk a turnover deep in his own territory and would have Howard kneel out the half.
Boy, I am glad that I was not only wrong but dead wrong; because on the first play after the touchdown, Howard backpedaled as the Horns’ defensive line bore down on him, and then he calmly flipped the ball to TreVeyon Henderson who had a caravan of blockers ahead of him, led by interior offensive linemen Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, and Tegra Tshabola, and 75 yards later, the Buckeyes had regained the lead 14-7.
Either prophetically or poetically, just before the Buckeye running back reached his wall of o-line blockers, ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler said, “Henderson can make a house call from anywhere,” and that is exactly what he did.
Henderson was completely untouched on this absolutely gorgeously designed and executed play. The result was the longest touchdown reception for a running back in College Football playoff history. While that likely will be overshadowed by the next play that I will get into, neither Henderson’s catch and run — nor Day and Chip Kelly’s willingness to call — it should be forgotten.
During one of the two excessively long and painfully unnecessary TV timeouts following Texas’ touchdown, my brother and I were discussing whether OSU would be content to go into halftime, and I said something to the effect of, “They have two timeouts, so they’ll probably run the ball on first down and see if they can pick up some yardage and go from there,” and go from there they did.
Nearly no one would have faulted Day for taking his team into the locker room tied in that situation. The pendulum had swung in the Longhorns’ favor, and heading into intermission tied is not the worst outcome they could have had.
But to be clear, the Buckeyes didn’t just get lucky on that play. It wasn’t like the run I had pre-supposed they would take had found a crack and got some surprise yardage. No, this was a play that took advantage of what the coaches expected from the UT defense and the players pulled it off perfectly.
Don’t believe me? Have you ever seen Ryan Day this happy about a play call before? He is normally a pretty stoic guy on the sidelines (outside of yelling at refs for obviously bad calls), so for him to celebrate not only a play, but a call this way, speaks volumes.
In the second half, Texas and Ohio State traded touchdown drives and with 7:02 remaining in regulation, the Buckeyes were in the lead 21-14. In just three minutes of game time, Ewers had taken his team to the doorstep of tying the game. Back-to-back defensive pass interference calls on Ohio State had set the Horns up with 1st and Goal from the 1, ready to draw even and put the pressure back on OSU’s offense.
With 3:58 remaining, it would have been understandable for the Buckeye defense to simply let Texas walk into the endzone in order to give themselves as much time possible for a potential game-winning drive (as someone watching the game at my parents’ house who will remain nameless suggested).
Instead, Jim Knowles’ Silver Bullets turned in the best Buckeye goal line stand since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl when linebacker Cie Grant pressured Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey into throwing an errant pass that was knocked down in the endzone, giving Ohio State its first national title in 34 seasons.
On first down, J.T. Tuimoloau and Arvell Reese stuffed running back Jerrick Gibson for no gain. Then on second, Texas head coach and play caller Steve Sarkisian made a decision that he almost certainly would like to have back. Instead of either plowing forward with a tush-push or bringing in his running-threat-backup-quarterback Arch Manning, he called a toss-sweep to Quintrevion Wisner that was almost immediately blown up by Caleb Downs and then cleaned up by Lathan Ransom. The play resulted in a seven-yard loss making it 3rd and Goal from the 8, and that is where Jack Sawyer took over.
On third down, the senior captain defensive end got into the backfield, once again putting pressure on Ewers (Hey, did you know they used to be roommates? I know, crazy, right?). The UT QB attempted to get the ball to Ryan Wingo, but Sawyer knocked it down, setting up a critical fourth down.
While a stop on this play wouldn’t guarantee a Buckeye victory, it would sure go a long way as Texas had already burnt one time out, so its options to stop the clock were limited. So, that fourth down was inarguably the biggest play of Ohio State’s season, and the result will live in Buckeye lore for the rest of eternity.
Coming from his left end position, Sawyer simply ran around Texas offensive tackle Cameron Williams and made a b-line to his former roommate who apparently did not see the mountain of a man bearing down on him.
Ewers went to throw the ball, but Sawyer’s left arm dislodged it and — just as the ball had done twice earlier in the game in Texas’ favor — it bounced straight back up into the Pickerington native’s hands. Sawyer returned the ball 83 yards through the heart of Texas untouched and unbothered into the endzone, even giving a mini-Bosa ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ once crossing the goalline.
The longest fumble return by a defensive player in College Football Playoff history put Ohio State up by two touchdowns, effectively ending the evening and sending the Buckeyes to the national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
This play will undoubtedly live forever in the hearts and memories of Ohio State football fans. It will hang around in the rarified air contending for a spot on our Mount Rushmore with “Holy Buckeye,” “85 Yards Through the Heart of the South,” “The Spot Was Good,” Keith Byars losing his shoe on a 67-yard touchdown run in a comeback win over Illinois, Maurice Clarrett stripping the ball back from Miami’s Sean Taylor following an interception in the national title game, and only a handful of others from before the advent of color television.
Jack Sawyer is the epitome of what a Buckeye should be. His dedication and determination are what this program always has — and always should — be built upon. Sawyer was one of the most highly rated players ever to sign with Ohio State, but was almost immediately overshadowed by the recruiting frenzy over Tuimoloau. That never seemed to bother him.
He has been a leader since Day 1 and was one of the ringleaders in convincing his fellow 2021 recruits to run it back one more time, leading to this veteran-laden team being one win from the sport’s ultimate prize. Jack Sawyer deserved immense credit for the Buckeyes making the national title game long before his strip and score, and I hope he never stops receiving it.
The double-box comparison of Day and Sarkisian’s reaction to the play are priceless. Between the joy we saw in Day’s response to Henderson’s touchdown and the downright giddiness he displayed following Sawyer’s game-sealing scamper, this is the type of emotions that I love seeing from Ohio State’s head coach.
I understand that coaches need to be professional and even a bit guarded, just to protect themselves, their hearts, their psyches, their teams, and their families. But I really like Ryan Day as a human being, and I love seeing the more personal side of him as often as possible. It is clear how much he loves his guys, perhaps no one more so than Jack Sawyer.
The edge rusher’s first two and a half years as a Buckeye were solid, but not particularly spectacular. However, late in the 2023 season, Sawyer seemed to find another level of production that has carried into the season and is peaking at the absolute perfect time.
Both Sawyer and Day have been through a lot of ups and downs during their times in scarlet and gray. They each had incredibly high expectations thrust upon them the moment they stepped into the spotlight, and both have been questioned about whether or not they could live up to those expectations. Their experiences have bonded them, and as we have learned throughout this year, it has made them extremely close. I can’t be sure, and hopefully someone in the media room asked so that we can eventually find out, but it looked like Sawyer might have said, “That was for you,” when celebrating with his coach. Either way, this is a moment that neither of them is ever likely to forget — I know I sure won’t.
Against Tennessee and Oregon, Ohio State was dominant from start to finish, taking Ryan Day’s words to heart to “leave no doubt” from the opening kickoff. On Friday night against Texas, throughout the game there was plenty of doubt, but as far as I’m concerned, that actually makes the victory that much sweeter. Against the Longhorns, the Buckeyes resorted to some of the bad habits that have plagued them in marquee games over the years. But when the moments were biggest, the Buckeyes coaches and brightest stars stepped up and showed that the scars of past failures not only wouldn’t define them, but made them strong enough to deliver some of the most important, consequential, and spectacular plays in Ohio State football history.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
TreVeyon Henderson and Jack Sawyer provided a pair of plays that will live in Ohio State lore for eternity.
For the Ohio State Buckeyes, the first two rounds of the College Football Playoffs were defined by big plays. Long touchdown passes to Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka were commonplace in the team’s wins against the Tennessee Volunteers and Oregon Ducks. While things looked markedly different for OSU against the Texas Longhorns on Friday night in the Cotton Bowl Classic, one thing remained enduringly consistent: The Buckeyes’ best players can be relied upon to make big plays... and did they ever?
‘Henderson can make a house call from anywhere.’
After quarterback Will Howard methodically marched the Buckeyes down the field for a touchdown on the Scarlet and Gray’s first possession of the game, the sledding got significantly tougher for the OSU offense. The second drive was effectively stalled by an uncharacteristic unsportsmanlike call on TreVeyon Henderson, and the third drive was hampered by an Emeka Egbuka holding penalty.
By mid-second quarter, the momentum from the opening score had been squandered. As time was running out in the first half, UT quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with running back Jaydon Blue for an 18-yard touchdown to seemingly send the teams into halftime tied at 7—except that’s not what happened.
After the ensuing kickoff resulted in a touchback, there were only 28 seconds left on the clock. Considering that Ohio State was at its own 25 and got the ball after halftime, I assumed that Ryan Day might not want to risk a turnover deep in his own territory and would have Howard kneel out the half.
Boy, I am glad that I was not only wrong but dead wrong; because on the first play after the touchdown, Howard backpedaled as the Horns’ defensive line bore down on him, and then he calmly flipped the ball to TreVeyon Henderson who had a caravan of blockers ahead of him, led by interior offensive linemen Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, and Tegra Tshabola, and 75 yards later, the Buckeyes had regained the lead 14-7.
Either prophetically or poetically, just before the Buckeye running back reached his wall of o-line blockers, ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler said, “Henderson can make a house call from anywhere,” and that is exactly what he did.
Henderson was completely untouched on this absolutely gorgeously designed and executed play. The result was the longest touchdown reception for a running back in College Football playoff history. While that likely will be overshadowed by the next play that I will get into, neither Henderson’s catch and run — nor Day and Chip Kelly’s willingness to call — it should be forgotten.
During one of the two excessively long and painfully unnecessary TV timeouts following Texas’ touchdown, my brother and I were discussing whether OSU would be content to go into halftime, and I said something to the effect of, “They have two timeouts, so they’ll probably run the ball on first down and see if they can pick up some yardage and go from there,” and go from there they did.
Nearly no one would have faulted Day for taking his team into the locker room tied in that situation. The pendulum had swung in the Longhorns’ favor, and heading into intermission tied is not the worst outcome they could have had.
But to be clear, the Buckeyes didn’t just get lucky on that play. It wasn’t like the run I had pre-supposed they would take had found a crack and got some surprise yardage. No, this was a play that took advantage of what the coaches expected from the UT defense and the players pulled it off perfectly.
Don’t believe me? Have you ever seen Ryan Day this happy about a play call before? He is normally a pretty stoic guy on the sidelines (outside of yelling at refs for obviously bad calls), so for him to celebrate not only a play, but a call this way, speaks volumes.
83 Yards Through the Heart of Texas
In the second half, Texas and Ohio State traded touchdown drives and with 7:02 remaining in regulation, the Buckeyes were in the lead 21-14. In just three minutes of game time, Ewers had taken his team to the doorstep of tying the game. Back-to-back defensive pass interference calls on Ohio State had set the Horns up with 1st and Goal from the 1, ready to draw even and put the pressure back on OSU’s offense.
With 3:58 remaining, it would have been understandable for the Buckeye defense to simply let Texas walk into the endzone in order to give themselves as much time possible for a potential game-winning drive (as someone watching the game at my parents’ house who will remain nameless suggested).
Instead, Jim Knowles’ Silver Bullets turned in the best Buckeye goal line stand since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl when linebacker Cie Grant pressured Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey into throwing an errant pass that was knocked down in the endzone, giving Ohio State its first national title in 34 seasons.
On first down, J.T. Tuimoloau and Arvell Reese stuffed running back Jerrick Gibson for no gain. Then on second, Texas head coach and play caller Steve Sarkisian made a decision that he almost certainly would like to have back. Instead of either plowing forward with a tush-push or bringing in his running-threat-backup-quarterback Arch Manning, he called a toss-sweep to Quintrevion Wisner that was almost immediately blown up by Caleb Downs and then cleaned up by Lathan Ransom. The play resulted in a seven-yard loss making it 3rd and Goal from the 8, and that is where Jack Sawyer took over.
On third down, the senior captain defensive end got into the backfield, once again putting pressure on Ewers (Hey, did you know they used to be roommates? I know, crazy, right?). The UT QB attempted to get the ball to Ryan Wingo, but Sawyer knocked it down, setting up a critical fourth down.
While a stop on this play wouldn’t guarantee a Buckeye victory, it would sure go a long way as Texas had already burnt one time out, so its options to stop the clock were limited. So, that fourth down was inarguably the biggest play of Ohio State’s season, and the result will live in Buckeye lore for the rest of eternity.
Coming from his left end position, Sawyer simply ran around Texas offensive tackle Cameron Williams and made a b-line to his former roommate who apparently did not see the mountain of a man bearing down on him.
Ewers went to throw the ball, but Sawyer’s left arm dislodged it and — just as the ball had done twice earlier in the game in Texas’ favor — it bounced straight back up into the Pickerington native’s hands. Sawyer returned the ball 83 yards through the heart of Texas untouched and unbothered into the endzone, even giving a mini-Bosa ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ once crossing the goalline.
The longest fumble return by a defensive player in College Football Playoff history put Ohio State up by two touchdowns, effectively ending the evening and sending the Buckeyes to the national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
This play will undoubtedly live forever in the hearts and memories of Ohio State football fans. It will hang around in the rarified air contending for a spot on our Mount Rushmore with “Holy Buckeye,” “85 Yards Through the Heart of the South,” “The Spot Was Good,” Keith Byars losing his shoe on a 67-yard touchdown run in a comeback win over Illinois, Maurice Clarrett stripping the ball back from Miami’s Sean Taylor following an interception in the national title game, and only a handful of others from before the advent of color television.
Jack Sawyer is the epitome of what a Buckeye should be. His dedication and determination are what this program always has — and always should — be built upon. Sawyer was one of the most highly rated players ever to sign with Ohio State, but was almost immediately overshadowed by the recruiting frenzy over Tuimoloau. That never seemed to bother him.
He has been a leader since Day 1 and was one of the ringleaders in convincing his fellow 2021 recruits to run it back one more time, leading to this veteran-laden team being one win from the sport’s ultimate prize. Jack Sawyer deserved immense credit for the Buckeyes making the national title game long before his strip and score, and I hope he never stops receiving it.
The double-box comparison of Day and Sarkisian’s reaction to the play are priceless. Between the joy we saw in Day’s response to Henderson’s touchdown and the downright giddiness he displayed following Sawyer’s game-sealing scamper, this is the type of emotions that I love seeing from Ohio State’s head coach.
I understand that coaches need to be professional and even a bit guarded, just to protect themselves, their hearts, their psyches, their teams, and their families. But I really like Ryan Day as a human being, and I love seeing the more personal side of him as often as possible. It is clear how much he loves his guys, perhaps no one more so than Jack Sawyer.
The edge rusher’s first two and a half years as a Buckeye were solid, but not particularly spectacular. However, late in the 2023 season, Sawyer seemed to find another level of production that has carried into the season and is peaking at the absolute perfect time.
Both Sawyer and Day have been through a lot of ups and downs during their times in scarlet and gray. They each had incredibly high expectations thrust upon them the moment they stepped into the spotlight, and both have been questioned about whether or not they could live up to those expectations. Their experiences have bonded them, and as we have learned throughout this year, it has made them extremely close. I can’t be sure, and hopefully someone in the media room asked so that we can eventually find out, but it looked like Sawyer might have said, “That was for you,” when celebrating with his coach. Either way, this is a moment that neither of them is ever likely to forget — I know I sure won’t.
Against Tennessee and Oregon, Ohio State was dominant from start to finish, taking Ryan Day’s words to heart to “leave no doubt” from the opening kickoff. On Friday night against Texas, throughout the game there was plenty of doubt, but as far as I’m concerned, that actually makes the victory that much sweeter. Against the Longhorns, the Buckeyes resorted to some of the bad habits that have plagued them in marquee games over the years. But when the moments were biggest, the Buckeyes coaches and brightest stars stepped up and showed that the scars of past failures not only wouldn’t define them, but made them strong enough to deliver some of the most important, consequential, and spectacular plays in Ohio State football history.
Continue reading...
Game Thread For the Natty vs ND, “One More, Then Forever”, Jan. 20th, 34-23 Buckeyes!
- By BB73
- 2024 Football Season Capsule
- 3446 Replies
LGHL You’re Nuts: What does Ohio State most need to continue to do to win the Cotton Bowl?
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You’re Nuts: What does Ohio State most need to continue to do to win the Cotton Bowl?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
In both of Ohio State’s recent playoff victories, first against Tennessee in mid-December and then against Oregon at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, the Buckeyes have done a spectacular job of taking control early by playing aggressive football and controlling the tempo of the game.
In large part, that’s been because of star players like quarterback Will Howard and his arsenal of talent, especially wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
But a key part of Howard’s ability to lead his team and utilize guys like Smith has been rock-solid performances from the offensive line, something Texas could prove a test for.
Despite being plagued with injuries this year, forcing the coaching staff to reimagine how they are using guys on the o-line, the offensive line looked sturdy and unflappable against both Tennessee and Oregon. Oregon, in particular, has an exceptional defensive line, so the Buckeyes’ ability to give Howard time to make plays, keep him out of pressure situations, and create space for the run game was a critical part of OSU’s Rose Bowl victory.
It will need to continue against Texas on Friday.
Though I believe Oregon’s defensive line is the best Ohio State faced or will potentially face this season, the Longhorns are still formidable defensively. If the Buckeyes’ offensive line gives them any breathing room, it opens the door for Texas to pose a threat.
In particular, the Buckeyes will have to prevent any funny business from Colin Simmons, Texas’ edge rusher who beat out Smith for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. The freshman has been known to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, logging 44 total tackles this year—including 29 solo tackles—along with nine sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
In summary, he is a monster, and Ohio State’s offensive line cannot allow the beast to be unleashed.
By keeping Simmons and his teammates away from Will Howard, Ohio State’s offensive line is going to be a key factor in how well Howard is able to connect with his wide receivers. This, in turn, will force the Longhorns to come up with an answer for Smith—something no one has been able to do so far.
Controlling the line of scrimmage also creates opportunities for OSU’s running corps to make big plays. Even if Texas were to, say, find an answer for Smith, the offensive line has the potential to force them to find answers for everybody: Egbuka, Tate, Judkins, Henderson.
From there, the Buckeyes can continue to control the tempo of the game—and the game clock—and wear the defense down.
Not controlling the line of scrimmage, conversely, could have season-ending consequences. With guys like Simmons ready to capitalize on even the smallest error, turning minor mishaps into game-changing turnovers, the Buckeyes need to establish their upper hand early.
The Buckeyes cannot bail Texas out by making it easy for them to pressure the quarterback or shut down the run game, but if we continue to see the level of play we’ve seen from the offensive line through two playoff games, they could just hold the keys to going all the way.
I certainly agree with Jami that Ohio State will need to continue its solid offensive line play to have the best shot at winning, but I think even if the o-line doesn’t play outstanding, the game plan and play callings can help neutralize that. Like, I don’t know that the offensive line has been stellar through the first two games, but they have admirably done what they have been asked to do, and that’s all you can ask at this point.
Personally, I don’t think that there is a defense in the country that doesn’t play on Sundays that can slow down Ohio State’s offense, so the real test will be if the Buckeye defense can continue to be excellent. I believe they will be, but to make that happen, they will need to pressure their old friend Quinn Ewers.
The Texas quarterback has been sacked five times in his team’s first two playoff games, which is not a huge amount, but getting pressure on the former Buckeye is huge. In the playoffs, he has only completed 5-of-14 passes (35.7%) under pressure for a total of 63 yards (4.5 yards per attempt). Those throws have led to zero touchdowns and two interceptions; not an anomaly for Quinn.
On the season, Ewers is just 43-of-82 while under pressure, leading to just 525 yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs. I see the Texas offense as being very similar to Indiana’s. Now, it has better talent than the Hoosiers do, but I see them as being similar where they do really well against average to below-average competition but struggle against better defenses.
In six games against teams in the top half of FBS passing defense (Kentucky- 21, Georgia- 38, Oklahoma- 43, Clemson- 53, Michigan- 63), Ewers is 117-for-209 (56%) for 1,407 yards (234.5 ypg), 10 TDs, and 5 INTs. Ohio State has the No. 1 pass defense in the country.
So, if the Silver Bullets can make Quinn — who is still nursing an injured oblique and ankle — the Horns will have to become one-dimensional, and there is no way that Texas’ running game is going to lead them to victory against OSU.
Against Indiana, Jim Knowles called a lot of blitzes to disrupt Kurtis Rourke, but in the first two CFP games, he hasn’t had to because Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, et. al have been able to generate pressure on their own. Either way, the more time that Buckeyes can spend in the backfield, the better it will be for the team’s chances to punch a ticket to Atlanta to face off against Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
Today’s Question: What does Ohio State most need to continue to do to win the Cotton Bowl?
Jami’s Take: Solid offensive line play
In both of Ohio State’s recent playoff victories, first against Tennessee in mid-December and then against Oregon at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, the Buckeyes have done a spectacular job of taking control early by playing aggressive football and controlling the tempo of the game.
In large part, that’s been because of star players like quarterback Will Howard and his arsenal of talent, especially wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
But a key part of Howard’s ability to lead his team and utilize guys like Smith has been rock-solid performances from the offensive line, something Texas could prove a test for.
Despite being plagued with injuries this year, forcing the coaching staff to reimagine how they are using guys on the o-line, the offensive line looked sturdy and unflappable against both Tennessee and Oregon. Oregon, in particular, has an exceptional defensive line, so the Buckeyes’ ability to give Howard time to make plays, keep him out of pressure situations, and create space for the run game was a critical part of OSU’s Rose Bowl victory.
It will need to continue against Texas on Friday.
Though I believe Oregon’s defensive line is the best Ohio State faced or will potentially face this season, the Longhorns are still formidable defensively. If the Buckeyes’ offensive line gives them any breathing room, it opens the door for Texas to pose a threat.
In particular, the Buckeyes will have to prevent any funny business from Colin Simmons, Texas’ edge rusher who beat out Smith for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. The freshman has been known to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, logging 44 total tackles this year—including 29 solo tackles—along with nine sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
In summary, he is a monster, and Ohio State’s offensive line cannot allow the beast to be unleashed.
By keeping Simmons and his teammates away from Will Howard, Ohio State’s offensive line is going to be a key factor in how well Howard is able to connect with his wide receivers. This, in turn, will force the Longhorns to come up with an answer for Smith—something no one has been able to do so far.
Controlling the line of scrimmage also creates opportunities for OSU’s running corps to make big plays. Even if Texas were to, say, find an answer for Smith, the offensive line has the potential to force them to find answers for everybody: Egbuka, Tate, Judkins, Henderson.
From there, the Buckeyes can continue to control the tempo of the game—and the game clock—and wear the defense down.
Not controlling the line of scrimmage, conversely, could have season-ending consequences. With guys like Simmons ready to capitalize on even the smallest error, turning minor mishaps into game-changing turnovers, the Buckeyes need to establish their upper hand early.
The Buckeyes cannot bail Texas out by making it easy for them to pressure the quarterback or shut down the run game, but if we continue to see the level of play we’ve seen from the offensive line through two playoff games, they could just hold the keys to going all the way.
Matt’s Take: Pressure the quarterback
I certainly agree with Jami that Ohio State will need to continue its solid offensive line play to have the best shot at winning, but I think even if the o-line doesn’t play outstanding, the game plan and play callings can help neutralize that. Like, I don’t know that the offensive line has been stellar through the first two games, but they have admirably done what they have been asked to do, and that’s all you can ask at this point.
Personally, I don’t think that there is a defense in the country that doesn’t play on Sundays that can slow down Ohio State’s offense, so the real test will be if the Buckeye defense can continue to be excellent. I believe they will be, but to make that happen, they will need to pressure their old friend Quinn Ewers.
The Texas quarterback has been sacked five times in his team’s first two playoff games, which is not a huge amount, but getting pressure on the former Buckeye is huge. In the playoffs, he has only completed 5-of-14 passes (35.7%) under pressure for a total of 63 yards (4.5 yards per attempt). Those throws have led to zero touchdowns and two interceptions; not an anomaly for Quinn.
On the season, Ewers is just 43-of-82 while under pressure, leading to just 525 yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs. I see the Texas offense as being very similar to Indiana’s. Now, it has better talent than the Hoosiers do, but I see them as being similar where they do really well against average to below-average competition but struggle against better defenses.
In six games against teams in the top half of FBS passing defense (Kentucky- 21, Georgia- 38, Oklahoma- 43, Clemson- 53, Michigan- 63), Ewers is 117-for-209 (56%) for 1,407 yards (234.5 ypg), 10 TDs, and 5 INTs. Ohio State has the No. 1 pass defense in the country.
So, if the Silver Bullets can make Quinn — who is still nursing an injured oblique and ankle — the Horns will have to become one-dimensional, and there is no way that Texas’ running game is going to lead them to victory against OSU.
Against Indiana, Jim Knowles called a lot of blitzes to disrupt Kurtis Rourke, but in the first two CFP games, he hasn’t had to because Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, et. al have been able to generate pressure on their own. Either way, the more time that Buckeyes can spend in the backfield, the better it will be for the team’s chances to punch a ticket to Atlanta to face off against Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish.
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