Ohio State comes to Austin this weekend for what many are calling the “Game of the Year”. Yesterday, we discussed the Buckeyes that could change this game on Saturday. Today, we’ll turn our attention to the Longhorns. The Longhorns stars will need to lead the way on Saturday but there needs to be other major impact players as well.
Five players stand out as possible “x-factors” in the game, giving Texas the small margin that’ll make the difference.
Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning (running the ball)
Obviously, Arch Manning will have his fingerprints all over this game, win or lose for Texas. For me, his legs could be the difference in the game. The Texas rushing attack was boom-or-bust vs. Texas State, with Arch not taking part in the designed run game at all. I expect Saturday to be different,
particularly early in the game. Forcing the Ohio State edge defenders and linebackers to have to think Manning’s legs every play is a must to give Smothers and Brown consistent running lanes.
Texas Longhorns TE Nick Townsend
In a game that is dominated by elite WRs, the TEs in the receiving game could be incredibly important. For Texas, Nick Townsend is the TE I believe can consistently change games as a receiver. Emaree Winston, Spencer Shannon and Michael Masunas will factor in as well but Townsend is the key in my eyes. His ability to block up front is very important in the run game and his athleticism can be an asset in the open field. If there was ever a moment for a breakout performance from Townsend, it’s this weekend.
Texas Longhorns DT Justus Terry
The Ohio State OL, like Texas’, seems to be the main area of concern heading into this game. The Buckeyes are still working out their starting five, with right tackle being an area of concern. To answer that question, it seems Ohio State could move Austin Siereveld from right guard to right tackle. That breaks up a very talented and experienced IOL for the Buckeyes. Justus Terry is someone that could expose that opening, especially as a pass rusher, forcing Julian Sayin to feel uncomfortable in the pocket.
Texas Longhorns DE Lance Jackson
As good as Texas has been at limiting Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State has been equally good at limiting Colin Simmons. Simmons has yet to come up with a sack vs. the Buckeyes and totalled just 6 tackles in two games. One reason for Ohio State’s success is the lack of pass rushing threat across from Simmons. Jackson is not known as an elite pass rusher, but if he can get pressure early, it’ll force Ohio State to divert attention from Simmons. As much as elite WRs play off each other, elite pass rushers are the same. Jackson and Simmons need to play off each other on Saturday night for the Texas pass rush to have success.
Texas Longhorns CB Kade Phillips
It’s hard to know how Will Muschamp will approach the Ohio State offense compared to Pete Kwaitkowski. In the secondary, they are facing one of the stiffest challenges in the sport, keeping Jeremiah Smith in check. With plenty of help, I believe Kade Phillips could be Texas’ best shot at doing that. His elite length and physicality will be incredibly important against not only Smith, but all the Ohio State WRs. He had good and bad moments against Texas State, allowing just 7 yards on 4 targets, according to PFF. Phillips needs to live up to his potential on Saturday night, because he’ll see the best offensive player in the country.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Longhorns X-Factors vs. Ohio State include Arch Manning's legs
