Will Colt Fire Right? Ohio State vs. Texas

More a century of football history, nine championship titles between them, arguably the icons of their respective states, I could go on all day and still may not do justice to Ohio State and Texas. The week is here and the magical night will descend upon Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium soon. Two teams whose oozing talents are only belittled by the lofty expectations of their alma mater and fan bases. To add the cherry to this Sundae, it is a 1 vs. 2 match-up on a Saturday night. Could one be greedy and ask as Oliver Twist did, “I want some more”? It is hard to imagine, but the game could outlive its hype. “Proof?” you say, last year’s game in the Shoe. Okay, let’s try a quick and clean breakdown of this colossal clash, shall we?

Offense

Running Backs

JC is under-rated outside of TX and he will be a surprise speedy back against a porous OSU run defense. One of the best OLs in college in front of him, JC and Selvin will ensure Texas has a 170-yd rushing game. While Pittman and frosh Chris Wells are above average, the Texas Run D will be too much for them.

Advantage: TEXAS

Quarterbacks

Troy Smith is more talented and experienced and has a big edge over Colt or Jevan.

Advantage: OHIO STATE

Tight-Ends

Texas has to replace the efficient and reliable David Thomas. J Finley and Tweedie should be able to step up though. OSU does not have a Jeremy Shockey and have 3 freshmen and a soph instead. Hardly scary!

Advantage: TEXAS

O-Line

The Horns have one of the top 3 offensive lines in the nation. Sendlein, Dockery, Blalock, Studdard are all big and agile. Quite capable of pass-blocking and run protection. The OSU O-line is not bad either.

Advantage: EVEN

Receivers

While Sweed, Cosby and Pittman are very good, it is hard to go against a receiving corps captained by Ted Ginn (even after disregarding the hype).

Advantage: OHIO STATE

Defense

D-Line

Texas boasts a spectacular D-line with Crowder, Robison, Okam and Lokey. Their back-ups are no less talented either. Pitcock and Patterson are proven for OSU but others don’t have game experience.

Advantage: TEXAS

Line-Backers

OSU will miss the Sunday players (Hawk, Schlegel and Carpenter).

Advantage: TEXAS

Defensive Backs

Although a bit inexperienced, Texas is deep in this position led by Aaron Ross and Michael Griffin. OSU has some brand new faces.

Advantage: TEXAS

Kicking and Special Teams

Texas has blocked the most number of kicks/punts in NCAA since ’99 or 2000. Return game is solid. Greg Johnson is reliable in kicking and punting. OSU has Ted Ginn!

Advantage: EVEN

Coaching

I would have given the edge to Tressell last year, but now both have won a national title and are well respected.

Advantage: EVEN

Environment

DKR is not the best college atmosphere. As much as I love Austin, it is a semi-pro style crowd. The end zone seats are some distance away from the field. The open architecture does not create a gladiatorial feel. Plus, OSU has experience playing in bigger and better stadiums like Happy Valley and the Big House. However, the heat may be a factor. Texas players displayed no uneasiness last week in the high noon heat of Texas. They may be better conditioned. But, I am going to call this even.

Advantage: EVEN

Verdict: Light the Tower Orange! Hook ‘Em Horns!

Score: 31 – 24

Game MVP: Jamaal Charles, RB, TEXAS

ESPN.com Fan Poll showed that 109,000 had voted with 58% predicting an OHIO STATE win. We’ll see about that!