In a hard-fought, low-scoring game, every big-time moment matters. In a top-three matchup in a season opener with so much unproven talent on both sides of the ball, winning the margins to win the game is vital, which includes turnovers and penalties. Ohio State did just that in its 14-7 win over top-ranked Texas Saturday afternoon.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows that, reflecting on the fact that the Buckeyes didn't turn the ball over and only had two penalties in the season opener.
“A lot of credit to Ohio State. They played a really disciplined game – zero turnovers, only two penalties. They took advantage of their opportunities when they got them, so credit to them.”– Steve Sarkisian
Sarkisian praised Ohio State a lot while also discussing how good its defense is, especially the secondary. First-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia leaned on Caleb Downs and the rest of the defensive backfield to make plays while also disguising coverages and blitzes every chance he got.
Arch Manning completed 9-of-15 passes for just 38 yards through the first three quarters of the game before flipping a switch in the fourth quarter. Not only that, but Texas was held scoreless through the first three quarters of the game for the first time since 2015, when the Longhorns were shut out by Iowa State, 24-0.
Patricia leaned on his secondary to make plays, and they did just that.
“They've got an excellent secondary. There's a strength on their team. Granted, the receivers are really good, but they've got an excellent secondary, and they've got a good scheme, and they've got a very smart secondary. So they made Arch work.”– Steve Sarkisian
Manning, meanwhile, blamed himself for most of his mistakes, including the interception he threw to Jermaine Mathews Jr. That takeaway gave Ohio State the edge in the turnover battle, a crucial part of the game that Manning knows must be won, especially against a similar opponent.
“They were playing man and I forced it. Nothing was there, I should've just taken off and made a play with my feet and live to play another down. Can't have those turnovers. When you lose the turnover battle, you lose the game. That's what happened today.”– Arch Manning
