There will be NFL talent everywhere when No. 1 Ohio State travels to No. 4 Texas on Saturday night.
But the matchup I’m watching closest isn’t between two players.
It’s Arthur Smith vs. Will Muschamp.
Both programs brought in new coordinators this offseason. Texas hired Muschamp to run its defense, while Ohio State brought in Smith after nearly two decades of NFL coaching experience.
And their first real tests come against each other.
Arthur Smith’s Offense
Ohio State certainly didn’t struggle in Week 1.
The Buckeyes destroyed Ball State 56-3, Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and Jeremiah Smith somehow had 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns in just one half.
But Texas is completely different.
Smith wants to establish a physical running game, use different formations and personnel groupings and then create opportunities downfield.
The biggest question might be whether Ohio State’s offensive line can hold up. Ryan Day admitted the group wasn’t good enough in Week 1, particularly in the running game.
Will Muschamp’s Defense
Muschamp’s first game back at Texas couldn’t have gone much better.
The Longhorns allowed just seven points, forced three turnovers and recorded two sacks in their 59-7 win over Texas State.
Now comes the real test.
Muschamp has traditionally been aggressive, using pressure and complicated looks to make quarterbacks uncomfortable.
But getting overly aggressive against Sayin could be dangerous.
Ohio State has Jeremiah Smith outside, and if Texas leaves its corners isolated too often, one mistake could become six points.
That’s what makes this matchup fascinating.
Does Muschamp attack Sayin and Ohio State’s offensive line? Or does he prioritize taking Jeremiah Smith away?
And on the other side, can Arthur Smith recognize those pressures and find the weaknesses Muschamp leaves behind?
There are bigger names playing Saturday night.
But when two teams this talented are this evenly matched, one coaching adjustment can decide everything.
For me, Arthur Smith vs. Will Muschamp is the matchup of the game.
