Normally, we could talk about score predictions in the actual game threads, but the (2005) Game Two: Texas - 9/10/05 (Merged All) thread has taken on a life of it's own, and any score predictions will rapidly get buried under a ton of other posts.
So, let's keep each post limited to a predicted final score, and if desired, the reason(s) why you came to your conclusion on that score.
My current prediction (subject to change based on availability of key players):
Ohio State 34, Texas 20
Ohio State: I see us getting a punt/kick return for a TD; a TD either directly off of, or set up by, a turnover deep in Texas territory; and four other scoring drives of various lengths (2 TDs, 2 FGs). I think we turn the ball over no more than once. I think our punting game keeps Texas starting from inside their own territory for every drive the have (except for our one turnover).
Texas: I see Young actually having a game better than may of us Buckeye fans think, and him having a long run for either a TD or to inside our 10 to set up a TD; another long drive for a TD but no plays over 15 yards in the drive; three other sustained drives into/near our Red Zone, with the kicker hitting two FGs and missing a third. I see about three 3-and-out drives and a couple other drives that go for about 20-30 before a punt or turnover. I think Texas turns the ball over twice (one INT and one fumble), and I think these turnovers are killers for Texas.
The atmosphere of a night game in The Shoe is simply too much for Texas to overcome, and they start planning afterward of exacting revenge next year in Austin.
So, let's keep each post limited to a predicted final score, and if desired, the reason(s) why you came to your conclusion on that score.
My current prediction (subject to change based on availability of key players):
Ohio State 34, Texas 20
Ohio State: I see us getting a punt/kick return for a TD; a TD either directly off of, or set up by, a turnover deep in Texas territory; and four other scoring drives of various lengths (2 TDs, 2 FGs). I think we turn the ball over no more than once. I think our punting game keeps Texas starting from inside their own territory for every drive the have (except for our one turnover).
Texas: I see Young actually having a game better than may of us Buckeye fans think, and him having a long run for either a TD or to inside our 10 to set up a TD; another long drive for a TD but no plays over 15 yards in the drive; three other sustained drives into/near our Red Zone, with the kicker hitting two FGs and missing a third. I see about three 3-and-out drives and a couple other drives that go for about 20-30 before a punt or turnover. I think Texas turns the ball over twice (one INT and one fumble), and I think these turnovers are killers for Texas.
The atmosphere of a night game in The Shoe is simply too much for Texas to overcome, and they start planning afterward of exacting revenge next year in Austin.