OSU vs. Texas Preview Part 4

OSU vs. Texas, September 9, 8:00 PM ABC

 

If You Go

Take a lot of money for tickets, by a lot I mean way more than $50. Say hi to the ESPN Gameday crew. Don't be a jerk to the fans, remember you are a guest. Don't feel that you need to interject "Everything is Bigger in Texas" into regular conversations at the bars or tailgate parties. Enjoy some Texas BBQ, such as Stubb's on Red River Street, Varsity Club from Columbus will be setup there. As tempting as it might be, avoid any "queers and steers" comments and don't attempt any creative mockery of the Hook 'Em Horns hand gesture, because if you do you may feel a spur in your shin from the boots of the Longhorn fan standing beside you. In any case, enjoy the game and bring back a victory!

 

What to Expect

Texas does not lose many games at home, in fact they have won 16 consecutive home games and 36 of the last 37. They have outscored opponents by an average of 46-16 points and outgained opponents 479 to 274 yards when playing at DKR Stadium. Under Mack Brown the Longhorns are 44-3 at home. Texas has also won 14 consecutive night games at home. Obviously OSU has some statistics going against them. The Longhorns held North Texas last week to 95 offensive yards (87 passing and 8 yards rushing) and registered four sacks. I don't care who you are playing, that is impressive. Both the O-Line and D-Line for Texas are solid, so this could be a close game. It is uncertain how the suspension of the starting corner will affect the morale of the team, but that means the two guys starting at corner were not starters on last year's team. So if I had to find a weakspot, the corners would be my recommendation for OSU to attack. I think Troy Smith will be pressured a lot, so we may see more screen passes or scrambles and possibly sacks. Pittman will really have to work to get over 100 yards, but I think it can be done. I hope the OSU kickers are ready, because I think a FG may be the difference maker this week. If the defenses hold up as I expect, this could not only be close but also a relatively low scoring game. In the end I see Texas losing, with their young QB not coming through in this high profile matchup, no offense to North Texas from last week of course....