By Patrick Weider
Ohio State has won two straight games impressively. They beat Tennessee at home 42-17 and then Oregon 41-21 in a re-match of a game earlier this year in the Rose Bowl. Texas comes into this game beating Clemson 38-24 at home and Arizona State 39-31 in the Peach Bowl. This game matches up two of the most talented teams in College Football. Below are the 5 keys to victory for the Buckeyes.
1) Play loose and fast
The difference between Ohio State the last two weeks in wins vs. the regular season finale against Michigan is they have played loose and fast. If Ohio State comes out and plays that way against Texas, they should have a good chance to win this game. Against Michigan, they played like a tight team that was trying not to lose vs. trying to win. In the last two weeks, they played like a team that was loose and came out on fire by building leads of 21-0 over Tennessee, and 34-0 over Oregon. If they keep that same mindset, they will be put in a good position to win this game.
2) Don’t cancel the Jeremiah Smith show
In Ohio State’s last two wins, Ohio State has targeted wide receiver Jeremiah Smith early and often. Against Tennessee, he caught 6 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, in 3 quarters of action. Then against Oregon, he caught 7 passes for 187 yards and two more touchdowns. Smith is the best wide receiver in College Football and Ohio State has made a conscious effort to get him the ball. Texas will come in with a plan to stop Smith, but if Ohio State wins this game, they need to get creative and get him the ball. Smith’s ability to play all over the field makes him a complete wide receiver and a true game-changer for the Buckeyes.
3) Defense needs to plays light out
The Ohio State defense has been playing at a high level this season but has picked it up even more in the last two games of the playoffs. In the first half against an explosive Oregon offense, they shut them out until the last play of the half. If Ohio State is going to beat Texas, they need the defense to continue to play at a high level. The Texas offense had been up and down this season, but they have a ton of potential to play at a high level.
More Sports News
The most impressive part of Ohio State’s defense is how well they are playing on all three levels. The defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs all seem to be playing at a high level and playing well together. If they continue to do that in this game, it will go a long way to getting the win.
4) Will Howard continues to shine
Will Howard has been a difference-maker for the Buckeyes the last two games. He has been efficient, and excellent throwing the football. He has thrown for 630 yards, fove touchdowns in the 1st two playoff games. If Howard continues to play at a high level, the Buckeyes will be tough to beat.
5) Get pressure on Quinn Ewers
Against Oregon, Ohio State was in the Oregon backfield the entire time, sacking Dillon Gabriel eight times and constantly getting pressure in his face. If Ohio State wins this game, they will need to put pressure on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and make the pocket uncomfortable for him. If Ohio State does this, they should be able to help slow down the Texas offense and get the win.
