For the third time in three years the Texas Longhorns face the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State won the last two meetings between these storied blue blood programs. Can the No. 1 Buckeyes pull off the clean sweep, or will UT get revenge and make a statement?
Both teams are loaded with Heisman calibre quarterbacks, NFL ready receivers and strong defenses. Both teams smashed their Week 1 warmup opponents. The Buckeyes crushed Ball State 56-3 and the Horns dominated neighboring Texas State 59-7.
The winner is set up for a run at the college football playoff and a possible national title. The loser will be searching for answers and will need to, based on last season, win at least nine more games to get into the CFP. The margin for error will be gone.
Tommy Bresee's Prediction
During the Sarkisian era, Texas has been able to beat 95% of the sport. Ohio State represents the 5% the Longhorns haven't been able to match. This offseason has been spent putting together the roster and coaching staff necessary to win these games.
In my eyes, there are number of reasons Texas can/will win this game on Saturday. There are reasons to believe this is moment Sarkisian and company break through. For me, I need to see it first.
Final Score: Ohio State 27, Texas 24
Jamie Gatlin's Prediction
After an impressive opening-week win, the Longhorns face their toughest test of the season in Ohio State in week 2. The Buckeyes are currently ranked as the top team in the country.
Texas will need another big game from Cam Coleman and Arch Manning to pull off the upset. This will not be an easy game to win, but Texas has the talent. Ohio State still gets the edge in what should be a high-scoring game.
Final Score: Ohio State 24, Texas 17
Trey Luerssen's Prediction
I do think Texas wins. Some of it is because I think Arch is better. Some of it is because Muschamp is back. Ultimately, I think the weather in Austin is going to play a big part in this game.
Texas opened it's new state-of-the-art football practice facility the last Friday. UT had no indoor facility for the past nine months and practiced the entire spring and fall in the Texas heat. August is always the hottest month in the Lone Star State, but this August has been hotter than most. Even though the game is at night, I think the Buckeyes are going to struggle with the heat late in the game. It wears on you. Especially if you're not used to it.
Final Score: Ohio State 27, Texas 31
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Expert Picks: Longhorns Wire staff predict Texas vs. Ohio State
