Ohio State 14, Texas 7: Three things we learned

The defense is still legit

One of the reasons for preseason optimism surrounding the Texas Longhorns was the talent and production they brought back on the defensive side, which seemed to be the right read. Texas limited the Ohio State offense for most of the game, holding them to just 213 yards and limiting one of the most deadly receiving threats in the country.

Ohio State finished the game with 126 receiving yards, 40 of which came on the game’s lone explosive play — the touchdown pass to Carnell Tate. Texas held Jeremiah Smith, who averaged 17.3 yards per reception a year ago, to just 7.2 yards per catch and six receptions on 10 targets. Beyond the numbers, the defense answered the call when it mattered and, much like last year, kept Texas in the game while the offense figured things out.

Four of Ohio State’s five second-half drives ended in punts, three of which went three-and-out, the most notable of which turned out to be the one-minute drive when Ohio State had a chance to ice the game. Ohio State had just five drives that went for more than four plays, two of which ended in punts.

Arch Manning has to improve

Arch looked out of rhythm for most of the game, throwing passes either far too late — like the one that resulted in the interception — or far too early — like the one that reached Quintrevion Wisner before he turned his head around. He looked better on the Longhorns’ fourth-quarter touchdown drive, making two big throws to get the Longhorns on the scoreboard, but it proved to be too little, too late.

Outside of the interception, there is one play that is emblematic of Arch Manning’s struggles in the game. With Texas driving to try and tie the game, Ryan Wingo breaks away from his man on a crossing route and has room to run. Manning, with pressure in his face, puts the ball behind Wingo, who is unable to catch it, ending the game. Manning looked out of synch for most of the game and truly struggled moving the ball, thanks in large part to Manning’s continued struggles in the contest.

The red zone isn’t fixed

What might be the most pivotal sequence in the game came in the third quarter with the Longhorns trailing 7-0. After forcing Ohio State to a three-and-out to start the half, the Longhorns put together a long drive that started on their own 29 and went nearly the length of the field in 11 plays. With first and goal from the nine-yard line, Texas dialed up three quarterback runs and an inside handoff to CJ Baxter, but was stonewalled and gave Ohio State the ball back.

Steve Sarkisian was a bit frustrated with once again being questioned about his team’s red zone struggles, but ultimately, it turned out to be the difference in the contest. Texas made two trips to the red zone and came away with zero points on those trips, and turned it over on downs both times. If Texas wants to reach its goals in 2026, that has to be priority No. 1 moving forward.