HookemHorns

Starting to wonder a bit if Sark is too smart for his own good. Can we just do a simple zone read now and again, use Arch as a threat on most every run play. You don’t have to run him but using him as a constraint seems like a no brainer and we aren’t doing it. Even the NFL is using their QB as a runner. Can we use a little misdirection please? Like the first play from scrimmage. Other than that we are so vanilla. It’s ok to be creative, even the NFL is creative these days. Feels like we are trying to be the tough guy and not playing to our strengths.

Hat tip to the OLine, they did their part. All off season I never heard much praise for Arch. An occasional compliment like “he had a good practice” or “he hasn’t been turning the ball over” but never gushing praise. I guess I can see why, he’s still a work in progress. He can run. He has good zip on the ball. He has a few great throws. But man, so many bad throws, literally more than I saw from any other qB I watched today. Turfed shots, balls behind or too high. Just honestly ugly at times. I’m left wondering about how he’s doing in practice and if this has been a consistent issue for him or if this was first game jitters/Ohio speeding him up/confusion due to lack of tape on Patricia. On the same note I’m left wondering if Sark didn’t feel comfortable developing a fun and aggressive opening script due to unfamiliarity with what Ohio was going to try to do.

What was the vibe like? Sark seem confident?

Don’t overthink it Sark. I’m guessing he doesn’t. As is his MO in big games, I bet he comes out guns blazing and lets the chips fall.

Really enjoyed the visiting Buckeye perspective. Made me realize, or at least remember, that all fan bases are biased. That’s the beauty of being a fan. I was talking to a big BYU fan the other day and he was convinced they’d be 10-2 at worst. It’s the beauty of the offseason. Every year some are right and some are wrong but there’s nothing wrong with some optimism. Ultimately Texas and Ohio St are highly ranked by the AP and Coaches poll because they have a lot of talent. It’s silly to assume one team will easily beat the other. May happen of course, but more likely it’s a good game. The final score may or may not reflect that, like the semi final last year. It’ll probably come down to who makes the big plays. Both big plays last year were made by Ohio St (end of half screen pass, strip sack/fumble return). Here’s hoping those go Texas’ way this year. It’ll be a challenge for sure. I think our guys will be up for it. We will see in 8 days!

And you were doing so well holding it in. I was proud of you!

Big 10 is top heavy as always, I fully expect Ohio St to be in the playoffs as it’s almost hard to miss the playoffs with the talent level on your team and the shallowness of the Big 10. Maybe the easiest bet in the nation. I think Sayin limits your ceiling year one but makes you the favorite next season

Very interesting. Thanks for the back and forth, I’ve enjoyed it. Overall I still feel this game comes down to the QB/OL/DLs, if we can harass Sayin then we have a chance, if not then we’re cooked. If we can give Arch time then we have a chance, if not we’re cooked. Personally don’t think either team will mount much of a rushing attack unless their QB is doing well. Otherworldly WRs can’t do much if their QB doesn’t have time. Can’t wait to watch.

So reading through the comments the Buckeyes think their team is: Oline: elite QB: near elite but young RB: very good WR: elite TE: elite DL: elite LB: elite Secondary: elite Sounds like back to back national championship is the expectation there.

Super interesting to get the Buckeye fan perspective. Definitely different than I usually hear listening to Longhorn podcasts everyday, makes me less confident! Sounds like you’re expecting a fairly straightforward Buckeye win, care to give a prediction?

Cant wait to see how it plays out! Y’all definitely have the #1 WR/TE rooms. Here’s to hoping we find a WR that could be called a threat to your DBs

Good stuff today. I’m beyond excited to get this season started!

What are the strengths/weaknesses of Ohio State’s defense? I was led to believe they’re replacing their entire dline and they return the most penalized CB in the nation. Outside of Downs I guess there’s not much I fear, but I’m sure I’m missing a whole lot since I don’t follow Ohio St and you’re more confident in Ohio St’s defense than Texas’ defense.

I do think it’ll take time for Arch to become who we all think and hope he will become. Ditto Sayin. I’m guessing this is a little lower scoring game. Something like 21-13. Both defenses should have success. Both offenses should be a little sluggish. I’ll admit it worried me that the biggest known for either offense is the elite WRs of Ohio St. Texas doesn’t have a proven strength on offense unless you count Wisner who is good but not elite IMO. I am expecting Arch to play better than Sayin since he has more college experience. I am also expecting our defensive line to take another leap this year.

30 guys against the #2 ranked team on the road. Wow that’s a ton of depth on defense. Like almost unbelievable. Though off the top of my head I’m sure minimum 4 of the backup DTs will play, 4 backup DEs minimum, Black, Roberson, 2 backup LBs, Littleton, Filsaime, JJR so that’s already 26 not counting Terry, Jackson, Phillips…

Mateer is a good player. I’m a Boise State fan so I watched him some as Washington St played BSU. BSU had a good D, but they let Mateer throw for 350+. However he ran 20 times for just 28 yards. I think Texas will make him beat them with his arm in the same way, but I don’t think he will enjoy nearly the success. Plus WSU had a better receiver than anything OU will trot out this year, Kyle Williams

He will play. He will be good until he gets beat up. Texas beats OU with or without Mateer

Yep Ohio St is a juggernaut no doubt. Playing in the big 10 with half the league being guaranteed wins really helps the percentage, but overall Ohio St’s talent is second to none year over year. Going to take a Herculean effort to take them down in the shoe

His path is: starter

We see both OSUs QBs in game one…and not because they’re comfortably ahead. Sayin will start but be pulled in the 3rd quarter to try and jumpstart the offense

I do think the front 7 is as talented of a front 7 as I’ve ever seen at Texas. Questions remain at DB for me but I’m definitely hopeful Taaffe and the coaches get those guys ready to play.

Texas is already using Florida as motivation in the offseason. This game won’t be overlooked I guarantee it.

Hope we get some nice nuggets to analyze and discuss. There’s always some players that have improved and caught the coaches’ eyes.

I just don’t think we have enough $$ earmarked for this spot to lure him away.

This would be a massive get. I like him a ton as a prospect, fantastic floor and ceiling, and hope he chooses Texas!