Kirk Herbstreit: Ohio State Has Built Stronger Playoff Case Than No. 1 Texas
Texas beat Ohio State in a thriller back in September, but ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit says the Buckeyes have looked like the better team ever since. Five weeks into the season, Herbstreit is raising concerns about the Longhorns' inconsistency while praising Ohio State's steady climb.
On his Nonstop show, Herbstreit was asked directly by Joey Galloway which team he trusts more right now: No. 1 Texas or Ohio State. His answer was clear.
“I think the inconsistency of the Texas offense has me hesitant,” Herbstreit said. “I think their defense is legit. I think their offense has great potential. I just think the Tennessee game was an example, scoring the opening drive. Six of the next nine possessions, three and out. And so I think with Ohio State, you've seen more consistency in five weeks.”
What's Wrong With Texas?
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has put up respectable numbers this season, completing 73 of 115 passes for 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. But the competition has exposed some cracks. Against Ohio State, Manning threw for just 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Against Tennessee, he managed 201 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and took six sacks.
Penalties have also become a problem. Texas committed 11 against Tennessee after averaging just 4.7 per game entering that contest. A costly delay of game turned a third-and-2 into third-and-7 in scoring range. A celebration penalty after a sack handed Tennessee a first down, and a late facemask penalty helped the Vols move into Texas territory during their final push.
The Longhorns survived that game, but survival and control are two very different things.
Why Herbstreit Likes Ohio State
Ohio State sits at 4-1, with the lone loss coming in that wild 24-23 collapse against Texas. Since then, Ryan Day's team has looked increasingly comfortable. The Buckeyes demolished Kent State 59-3, beat Illinois 42-19 and went into Iowa City and won 31-14.
Quarterback Julian Sayin has been a major reason for the turnaround. He's completed 103 of 142 passes for 1,530 yards, 13 touchdowns and only one interception. Against Iowa, he completed 20 of 27 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
“I would say Ohio State,” Herbstreit said when asked which team he trusted more over the totality of five weeks.
Galloway agreed with his conclusion.
“I would feel more comfortable with Ohio State and their trajectory and where they're headed than I would with Texas right now,” he said.
The Case for the Buckeyes
Texas is No. 1 because it won the head-to-head game. But Ohio State has done more since then to convince observers its ceiling is higher. The Buckeyes have climbed into the top five nationally in total efficiency, ranking among the best on both sides of the ball.
Jeremiah Smith continues to be a weekly problem for opposing defenses. In the Texas game, he torched the Longhorn secondary for eight catches, 164 yards and a touchdown through three quarters. Ohio State led 20-3 at halftime and pushed the margin to 23-3 before everything unraveled in the fourth quarter.
The Buckeyes averaged 5.9 yards per play compared with Texas' 4.3. One terrible quarter changed the result, but it didn't necessarily change what the entire game said about the teams.
What's Next for Ohio State
There are still concerns. Galloway pointed out issues with the run game and some defensive inconsistencies, including the yards allowed against Illinois. Ohio State will have to prove this version of the team against Indiana and USC. Those games could reshape the Big Ten race and the playoff picture.
For Iowa fans, the Buckeyes' 31-14 win in Iowa City was a reminder that Ohio State remains a force in the conference. With the Big Ten race heating up, the Buckeyes look like a team peaking at the right time.