College Football Showdown: Ohio State vs. Texas Loser Faces Tough Road to Playoffs, Says Joel Klatt

Iowa football fans, take note. When Ohio State travels to Austin on Sept. 12 for a Week 2 clash with Texas, the stakes couldn't be higher for both programs. Fox College Football analyst Joel Klatt warns that the loser of this top-five matchup will face an uphill battle to make the College Football Playoff, especially with brutal schedules ahead.

Last year, Ohio State's defense dominated Texas in Columbus, boosting the Buckeyes' playoff resume and likely keeping the Longhorns out of the postseason. Now, with both teams reloaded and experienced quarterbacks under center, Klatt says the pressure is on.

What Joel Klatt Said About the Game

“The loser of this game is behind the eight-ball,” Klatt said on his podcast. “Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian know exactly how important that game was to their teams and their programs a year ago.”

Klatt highlighted how Ohio State built confidence last season with eight new defensive starters, a new quarterback in Julian Sayin, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. “They generated a ton of confidence based on what they were able to do and how they controlled the game against Texas at home early last year,” he added.

This year, both teams feature experienced quarterbacks. “This is not Arch Manning in his first real experience as a starter. This is not Julian Sayin and his first time as a real starter. Now you've got incumbent quarterbacks,” Klatt said. “There's loads of expectations. These two teams are going to start in the top five; there's no doubt.”

How the Schedules Could Impact Iowa and the Big Ten

For Iowa fans, the Buckeyes' road schedule is especially relevant. After Texas, Ohio State travels to Iowa, Indiana, and USC, with home games against Oregon and Michigan. That gauntlet means a loss to Texas could leave Ohio State fighting for its playoff life, potentially benefiting the Hawkeyes in a Big Ten race.

“Look at these schedules they have remaining,” Klatt said. “Ohio State has to go on the road to Iowa, Indiana, and USC, and they've got home games against Oregon and Michigan. That's not easy.”

Texas faces its own nightmare: road games at Tennessee, Missouri, LSU, and Texas A&M, plus home games against Florida and Ole Miss, and the Red River rivalry with Oklahoma.

What This Means for the College Football Playoff

Even in a 12-team playoff format, Klatt argues that an early loss could be devastating. Ohio State hasn't lost more than two regular-season games since 2011, but with this schedule, a single slip-up could derail championship hopes. “A loss in this game, each of these teams are going to be fighting uphill,” Klatt said. “You're talking about major brands that do not expect to miss the playoffs.”

For Iowa, this matchup offers a chance to measure itself against a top-tier opponent. If the Hawkeyes can capitalize on a potentially wounded Buckeyes team later in the season, it could reshape the Big Ten standings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Ohio State vs. Texas game so important?

Both teams are expected to start in the top five, and the loser faces a grueling remaining schedule that could keep them out of the College Football Playoff, even with 12 teams.

How does this affect Iowa?

Ohio State travels to Iowa later in the season. A loss to Texas could leave the Buckeyes vulnerable, giving the Hawkeyes a potential advantage in the Big Ten race.

What did Joel Klatt say about the quarterbacks?

Klatt noted that both Arch Manning and Julian Sayin are now experienced starters, raising expectations for both teams after last year's game.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire and was adapted for Just The News Iowa by John Damon.