Texas has one of the most talented offenses in college football.
But if the Longhorns want to finally beat Ohio State on Saturday night, they have to find a way to push the football down the field.
That was a massive problem last year.
Ohio State completely suffocated Texas’ passing game for most of its 14-7 win, holding Arch Manning to just 38 passing yards through three quarters. Manning eventually finished with 170 yards, but Texas never consistently threatened the Buckeyes vertically.
This year should be different.
Manning has another season of experience, and Texas has two ridiculous weapons in Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo.
We saw their potential immediately against Texas State.
Wingo finished with 120 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Coleman had 70 yards and two scores. Manning also connected with Coleman on a deep ball of nearly 50 yards during the 59-7 win.
Texas needs those plays Saturday.
Ohio State has one of the most talented secondaries in America, led by Devin Sanchez, and simply trying to dink and dunk down the field isn’t going to be enough.
Steve Sarkisian has to trust Manning.
Take shots to Coleman. Let Wingo stretch the field. Force Ohio State’s safeties to respect the deep ball.
Because if Texas can make the Buckeyes defend every blade of grass, this offense becomes extremely difficult to stop.
But if Ohio State takes away the deep ball again and forces Texas to play everything underneath?
We could be watching a repeat of last year’s 14-7 nightmare.
