OSU VS TEXAS Recap
Ohio State’s offensive game plan was built around their quarterback’s ability to attack the Texas defense through the air. With a potent passing game that leveraged deep shots, quick screens, and high-percentage throws, OSU put pressure on the Longhorns' defense from the very start.
The Passing Game: One of OSU’s key moves was their use of motion to shift the Texas defense and create mismatches in coverage. By utilizing pre-snap movement, the Buckeyes were able to force Texas defenders into less favorable matchups. Tight end routes, often running seam routes or attacking the middle of the field, helped open up wide receiver screens and quick slants to the outside. This offensive motion forced Texas defenders to adjust on the fly, often leaving them out of position.
Key Play Example: On a critical third-down play early in the game, OSU deployed a play-action pass out of a two-tight end formation. By faking the run and pulling the linebackers toward the line of scrimmage, they created an easy throwing lane for the quarterback. The receiver, running a simple dig route across the middle of the field, found an open pocket in the defense. This strategic use of play-action not only kept Texas’ pass rush at bay but also took advantage of the linebackers' tendency to bite on the fake, leading to a key conversion that extended the drive.
The Running Game: Ohio State didn’t abandon the run game, though. Their zone-blocking schemes were designed to create cutback lanes for their running back. By using zone-read plays and RPOs (run-pass options), OSU kept Texas’ defensive line guessing and off balance. With the quarterback’s ability to pull the ball and keep it on the perimeter, Texas had to honor both the run and pass threats, making it difficult to consistently stop the Buckeyes’ offensive attack.
On the other side, Texas had no answer for the defensive front that OSU put up. Texas’ offensive line struggled to contain the relentless pass rush, and their quarterback’s inability to handle the pressure allowed OSU’s defense to dictate the tempo of the game. Texas' offensive scheme relied too heavily on short passing and quick throws, but OSU’s tight coverage and consistent pressure prevented those strategies from becoming effective.
Additionally, Texas’ decision to abandon the run too early in the game played into OSU’s hands. When teams fall behind and are forced to throw, it allows defenses to pin their ears back and focus on rushing the quarterback. This shift in momentum favored OSU’s aggressive defense and allowed them to control the pace of the game.