A Season to Remember: Game 2 – No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State

College GameDay is in Austin for the biggest game of the week: No. 4 Texas vs. No. 1 Ohio State at DKR.

Sarkisian commented on Monday that in order for Texas to win they will need to execute in all phases of the game.  It’s not about the hype, it’s about high level execution.

Texas is a slight favorite for a reason: DKR will be loud, Manning is a year sharper, Sark has already seen Patricia’s looks, and Muschamp’s defense is built to make this a street fight. We like Texas by a score — and if the offense hits early, it could get bigger than the spread.

1. The fans at DKR will be a major factor. The noise will be disruptive to Ohio State.
   
2. Arch Manning will likely have his best game.  Manning is a year more experienced and his understanding and command of the game is clearly sharper than last year. 
   
   Manning is focused on executing the plays, reading the defense, and making the passes needed to win the game. It is possible Manning has a massive game if he stays poised, lets his preparation guide him, and lets the game slow down.
   
3. Sarkisian got surprised last year by Matt Patricia’s defensive schemes that appeared like they already had Texas’ playbook.  That will not happen again for Sarkisian so expect looks Patricia hasn’t seen from this Texas group. The game tempo will be a factor as well.
   
4. Texas’ defense will hold Ohio State under 30 points. Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is maniacal and the defense will prove worthy. If not, Muschamp will take it personal.
   
5. Texas has enough weapons at running back and receiver, and Manning can still punish a missed assignment with his legs.

A Texas win tonight is more than a result. It says the rebuild CDC started when he hired Sarkisian in 2021 is no longer a project — Texas is operating as Ohio State’s peer.

See you from the pressbox tonight for an amazing game.