It's halftime in Austin with Ohio State and Texas engaging in one of the most anticipated nonconference games of the college football season. The Buckeyes used some Longhorn mistakes and some excellent play on both sides of the ball to take a 20-3 lead into the locker room, which is banking the national narrative in this one.
We like to look back on the first half and take three observations and takeaways from what we saw through the first 30 minutes of action, and in this case, there's plenty to talk about. Here are three observations from what we saw from the Buckeyes and Longhorns in the first half of what should be one whale of a second half to finish this thing out.
Ohio State opportunistic defense
Ohio State forces a fumble against Texas on the first play of the game😤
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/kxvE7F9D0B
— On3 (@On3) September 12, 2026
The defense hasn't been very stingy in stopping the run through the middle, but it has been very opportunistic in forcing two turnovers. Both of them led to two scores and have really been the difference in the game so far. You have to think that the turnovers aren't going to continue, so Ohio State will have to continue to make plays while getting equal possessions.
Jeremiah Smith is having a game for Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith: Freakshow
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 13, 2026
(Via: ABC)pic.twitter.com/jQuJSiQ1A4
A lot of the talk coming into this game was the ability of Texas to limit Smith the last two times these teams matched up. So far, that hasn't been the case in this one. Jeremiah Smith had six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half and is a big part of the game plan.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is doing a great job of moving him around and creating mismatches, and the Texas defense has really had no answer for it. We'll see if there are halftime adjustments made because if Julian Sayin continues to find Smith, it's hard to think the Longhorns can pull this one out.
Texas mistakes
ARCH MANNING WITH A BULLET BUT RYAN WINGO DROPS IT.....pic.twitter.com/JvDidKva62
— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) September 13, 2026
Texas has not played good football, and that's the reason this game is in Ohio State's favor. We already talked about the two turnovers, but there have been a couple of dropped passes, missed assignments on defense, and Arch Manning has misfired on some key throws.
Don't expect that to continue, and it feels like the Buckeyes should be up by more. Let's hope the defense continues to play well and that the offense can finish off drives because this one feels like it's going to tighten up.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Texas three and out halftime review | Buckeyes Wire
