The Ohio State football team has now become an underdog to Texas, despite the game being played at home in the Shoe. After the Buckeyes beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl last year, the Longhorns have been determined to win this game as some revenge.
Ohio State opened up as a favorite, but is now a one-point underdog according to most sportsbooks. They are going to be ready to play, especially after the hype has now switched to Texas. As the defending national champions, the Buckeyes still have a lot of talent.
Even though Ohio State lost 15 starters from last year's team, they are going to win this game because of how strong the offense is. Julian Sayin is going to have command of the offense early, and he is going to be able to spray the ball to his playmakers on the outside.
Why the Ohio State football team will win 27-24 over Texas
Texas isn't going to be able to stop Jeremiah Smith as they did last year. He will put up better stats than just one catch for three yards. He should have 100+ yards in this game. Brian Hartline will likely get him in space on some mesh routes and swing routes to let him use his speed after the catch.
Defensively, the Buckeyes might be able to get after Arch Manning. Both Texas starting tackles are hurt, so they may not be able to block the Buckeyes. The defensive line had issues in the Spring Game, so that prompted them to grab Beau Atkinson from the Transfer Portal.
Atkinson should be able to get after the quarterback, but it's unclear how the rest of the defensive line will be able to rush the passer. Having both tackles hurt helps, but that will be a key to the game for the Ohio State Buckeyes. How the defensive line gets after him might be the deciding factor in the game.
The crowd is going to have a massive impact on the game, as well. This crowd has had to wait a long time to see the Buckeyes play in the Shoe, so the fans should be very loud throughout the game. That will rattle Manning as he tries to command the offense and call plays.
Ohio State will win this game 27-24 and start the season off 1-0. It should be a great way to start off the year in their national title defense.