Urban Meyer picks winner of Texas-Ohio State top-5 showdown
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The main matchup of Week 2 in college football is without a doubt the primetime clash between No. 1 Ohio State and host No. 4 Texas, in what could be a College Football Playoff preview. This will be the first measuring stick game for both teams after each won easily against Group of 6 opponents in their openers.
Ohio State beat Ball State 56-3 while Texas topped Texas State 59-7.
In last season’s meeting, Ohio State edged Texas 14-7 in a low-scoring slugfest. Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is picking the Buckeyes to narrowly defeat the Longhorns again this season.
Meyer believes Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin will build off his experience from last season’s matchup for a more refined performance. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Arch Manning will also have ample motivation as he aims to fulfill his potential.
“It’s going to be the battle of the quarterbacks. I’m not saying they have to win it but I’m saying they can’t lose it,” Meyer said on The Triple Option podcast. “Last year, I thought both coaches did a very admirable job, especially Ryan Day with Julian Sayin, first time starting against that kind of team. They did not ask him to win it. They played the game close to the vest.”
Meyer believes Ohio State should initially take a conservative approach to loosen up Texas for exploitable moments.
“I would start the game like that down there. I would say ‘Let’s just pound the ball a little bit. Let’s be smart and when it’s time to open it up, open it up.’ That might be different than what Ryan Day’s thinking,” Meyer said. “I’m going to pick the Buckeyes but I think it’s going to be a walk-off win for whoever wins.”
Ohio State at Texas is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will be televised on ABC.
