Ohio State has been preparing for Colin Simmons all off season. Likewise, Texas has been focused on the other game changer in Jeremiah Smith.
The best way to keep the ‘ball out of Smith’s hands… it’s not just pressure. It’s threatening pressure. In other words, get a young QB’s eyes down as quick as possible.
AND, the best way to get eyes down quick is threaten pressure pre-snap in the A and B gaps.
There’s no way a young, inexperienced QB, inexperienced RB’s along with a new guard-center-guard combination can be ready for that. I don’t care if you’re playing Western Michigan or St. Mary’s Church the Poor, until you’ve done it (ie handle pressure from ‘backers coming from the A and/or B gaps), it has to be a massive concern. AND, they have to do it in game 1 against elite talent.
Hill, Lefau, Tyanthony, Moore and Spence (yes, I know he’s moved to edge) can dance in the A and B gaps pre-snap and either come or drop. They’ll be comfortable moving up and back (ie threatening) pre-snap.
A Texas LB’er is going to be the player of the game for shizzle.