Ohio State just delivered a crushing blow to Oregon’s playoff hopes, and now their sights are set on Texas and Quinn Ewers. But it’s not just the Buckeyes’ explosive offense that has Steve Sarkisian sweating; it’s their newly rediscovered defensive dominance, a “silver bullet” that could spell disaster for Ewers and potentially usher in the Arch Manning era.
Steve Sarkisian likely wasn’t expecting this. While Ewers had a less-than-stellar performance against Arizona State, the chatter about benching him for Arch Manning has reached fever pitch after Ohio State’s dismantling of Oregon.
The Buckeyes’ 41-21 victory wasn’t just an offensive showcase; it was a defensive masterclass that has sent shockwaves through the college football world. There will be a lot at stake this Friday in the Cotton Bowl, when the Longhorns face the Buckeyes for a ticket to the CFP National Championship game.
The defensive masterclass
CFB analyst Adam Breneman has pinpointed the key to Ohio State’s success: a ferocious defense that could be the undoing of Ewers and the Longhorns. “Don’t let it go unnoticed how good Ohio State’s defense was in this game with all the talk about their offense.
“I mean, this is the silver bullet for Ohio State of old. Eight sacks, three players with two sacks each,” said Breneman. The Buckeyes’ suffocating defense held Oregon to minimal gains, leading 31-0 midway through the second quarter.
Breneman highlighted the Buckeyes’ ability to relentlessly pressure Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, sacking him a staggering eight times. “Yesterday they led up 200-some yards of Oregon, including -23 rushing yards, including Dillon Gabriel getting sacked 8 times. I mean, it wasn’t just the offense; it was a defensive masterclass as well.”
The Arch Manning factor
The Longhorns’ struggles extend beyond Ewers’ vulnerability to sacks. Their run game faltered against Arizona State, managing a mere 53 rushing yards. Facing Ohio State’s defense, which leads the nation in scoring defense (allowing just 10.9 points and 241.1 yards per game), a weak rushing attack could be fatal.
This defensive prowess has fueled speculation about Arch Manning taking the reins. While Manning’s running ability could offer a different dimension to the Longhorns’ offense, Sarkisian faces a difficult decision.
Does he stick with the experienced Ewers, despite the looming threat of Ohio State’s defense, or does he gamble on the highly touted Manning? The Buckeyes’ “silver bullet” defense has not only put Ewers under immense pressure but has also ignited a quarterback controversy in Austin, leaving Sarkisian with a high-stakes dilemma.
Ohio State football is losing a running back to the transfer portal: Report
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s Sam Williams-Dixon is planning to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from Rivals.
The running back is wrapping up his freshman season with the Buckeyes. He’s run for 53 yards on seven attempts while appearing in three games — making him eligible to redshirt.
Williams-Dixon was in uniform during an open session of practice Monday as Ohio State prepares to face Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
He is a product of Pickerington, Ohio, who attended Pickerington High School North. As a prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Williams-Dixon was a three-star player, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson will be out of eligibility when the Buckeyes’ season ends. Fellow running back Quinshon Judkins is expected to be among the top players at the position in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That leaves freshman James Peoples as the top returning option. Ohio State also added former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr. from the transfer portal last month.
The Buckeyes signed three running backs in the 2025 class, including four-star prospects Bo Jackson and Anthony Rogers.
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