There are many misconceptions about Texas’ team makeup, and I’ll help clean them up. BTW, if this blows up in my face I apologize, I will just provide stats along with my own opinion and analysis.
OFFENSIVE LINE: the biggest misconception of them all. They simply aren’t good. They surely flash good moments, but other than against Michigan (week 2), they have been bullied by even the most elementary DLines. They are averaging 4.5 ypc (not top 50 and behind us and Oregon, for reference), and have given up 33 sacks. They are nearly LAST in the power conferences in TFLs at 118/134 in all of FBS. (Sacks 82/134). These guys dominated against a very poor run stopping team in Clemson, but the way the Titans, as I like to call our DLine, have been playing, this is a huge advantage to Ohio State.
QUINN EWERS: Ewers can make NFL throws, and can move. He’s not a statue and a he isn’t Kyle McCord unfortunately. He theoretically can beat us with his arm, but that is unlikely. He’s a Kurtis Rourke type. Can and will make good throws, but he’s not a game changer and struggles with a deep-deep ball. Don’t underestimate him.
SECONDARY: Quick note: Oregon’s pass defense was much better statistically than their rush defense, but that is only because their guys on the DLine make it very easy on their back 7. This is similar to Texas. Not that they don’t have talent in their secondary, but they have many players who can be exposed. (Their safeties are great tacklers as well is Barron) Overall, if we come out throwing, we can have success once more.
FRONT 7: they don’t have the talent of Michigan. They have dudes, but no Mason Grahams. Thank god. They will give us fits throughout the game (as Oregon did honestly) but trust day and Kelly to scheme around this as they have. We heard all about how Tenn and Oregon’s DLine were so elite and they were effectively neutralized.
How do we win? Get a lead early like we have been doing, and pick off Quinn Ewers. He will throw it to the Buckeyes just as he once did (in practice). Texas’ offense wants to operate on their own terms, but when a team like Georgia throws a wrench in things, Sark looks lost. (No more Tuf Borland on Devonta Smith) I love the 3 high look with Hancock back and downs roaming the middle, and these boys will feast against Texas’ screen heavy, misdirection based offense. Our safeties are too good and play too fast for that.
