As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their showdown against the Texas Longhorns, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both teams boasting strong rosters, it’s a clash of titans. But Ohio State’s path to victory will not be a straightforward one. Despite Texas being one of the most dominant programs in recent years, the Buckeyes have the talent and strategy to come out on top. However, it’s going to require some bold and, arguably, controversial tactics. Here are three key strategies that Ohio State must employ if they want to defeat Texas.
1. Embrace Aggressive Offense Over a Balanced Approach
For years, Ohio State’s offense has leaned heavily on balance, with a solid mix of passing and rushing. But to beat Texas, it’s time for the Buckeyes to toss the traditional game plan out the window. It’s no secret that Texas has a tough defense, especially with their front seven capable of dominating the line of scrimmage. Instead of relying on a balanced offense that works incrementally, Ohio State must go all-in with a high-powered, pass-first approach.
Quarterback Kyle McCord should look to exploit Texas’ secondary, which has shown vulnerability to explosive passing plays. While this may seem like a risk, the Longhorns’ defense has historically struggled to defend against elite passing attacks, and their corners are prone to getting burned when they’re caught out of position. By spreading the field, McCord can create one-on-one matchups and push the tempo, keeping Texas on their heels. Running back Travion Henderson’s role should be relegated to third-down situations and short-yardage plays—no need to force the run when the aerial assault could be the difference-maker.
This strategy is bound to raise some eyebrows. Moving away from a balanced attack and relying heavily on passing may seem reckless, but in this game, boldness could be Ohio State’s ticket to victory. The Longhorns won’t expect it, and that’s precisely why it could work.
2. Target Texas’ Weakness: Offensive Line Depth
Texas’ offensive line has been heralded for its talent, but like many elite teams, there are weaknesses lurking beneath the surface. The Longhorns have struggled at times with depth—when their starting five is intact, they look elite, but when one or two players are missing or out of rhythm, their protection begins to crumble. Ohio State needs to make this a key focus on defense, particularly in the trenches.
The Buckeyes’ defensive line is one of the most talented in college football, with players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer capable of wreaking havoc. However, it’s not just about individual talent—it’s about exploiting moments when Texas’ offensive line lacks chemistry. By rotating defensive linemen in and out regularly, Ohio State can create confusion and fatigue on the line. A constant rotation of pass-rushers, combined with a variety of blitz schemes, could force Texas’ quarterback Quinn Ewers into hurried decisions.
Ohio State’s strategy must be to overload the pocket and capitalize on the pressure. The key to slowing down Texas’ offense isn’t just about winning one-on-one battles—it’s about wearing out the offensive line and forcing mistakes. If the Buckeyes can collapse the pocket early and often, the Longhorns’ explosive offense won’t have the time they need to get into a rhythm.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Unconventional Risks on Special Teams
Special teams are often overlooked, but in a high-stakes game like this, Ohio State can’t afford to leave any stone unturned. This is where things get really controversial: Ohio State must be willing to take unconventional risks in the special teams game. We’re talking about fake punts, onside kicks, and aggressive kick returns—anything that could catch Texas off guard and flip the field.
Texas has one of the most dangerous return units in the country, but their coverage teams have been inconsistent. Ohio State could exploit this by taking calculated risks with aggressive returns and utilizing their speed advantage in the open field. The Buckeyes’ special teams coach, after all, has always had a reputation for thinking outside the box, and in a game of this magnitude, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Moreover, special teams can be the game-changer when it comes to field position. An onside kick early in the game could stun Texas and give Ohio State an unexpected edge. At the very least, it could force the Longhorns to rethink their game plan. And if Ohio State successfully executes a fake punt in their own territory? It could be the moment that shifts momentum in their favor.
In conclusion, while many will advise Ohio State to play it safe against Texas, those who believe in taking bold chances will argue that this is their best path to victory. Aggressive offense, exploiting Texas’ O-line depth, and taking risks on special teams could push Ohio State to the top in this critical matchup. Whether these strategies succeed or fail, one thing is for certain: Ohio State has the talent to disrupt Texas’ plans—but they’ll need to take some controversial risks to do it.