Texas vs. Ohio State: A chess match of third-quarter offensive adjustments?
Instead of focusing on players, let’s dive into the coaching staff matchups, because this game could be won on the headsets in the moments just after halftime.
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Steve Sarkisian is not only Texas’ offensive play-caller but also the head coach, meaning he’s responsible for managing the plans for the offense, defense, and special teams. He has the benefit of a former head coach in Kyle Flood as his offensive coordinator, and that duo has helped the Longhorns to good starts in their Playoff games.
The dynamic is flipped for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day, who used to call plays for Ohio State, ceded those responsibilities to former Oregon, UCLA and NFL head coach Chip Kelly—an exceptional play-caller and designer. Their ability to craft opening scripts has also been on full display during the Playoff.
The Longhorns posted an opening-possession score in response to Clemson and averaged 6.3 yards per play in the first 15 minutes with balanced gains against the Tigers. Then, Texas amassed a similar 75 yards in the first quarter against Arizona State, boasting 15 yards per play. That was buoyed by a 54-yard opening-play pass to Matthew Golden and a 23-yard touchdown toss to DeAndre Moore right after.
Kelly’s first drives against Tennessee and Oregon set the tone early. The Buckeyes posted 21 points against Tennessee thanks to touchdowns from Jeremiah Smith, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson, then scored 14 first-quarter points against the No. 1 Ducks by feeding their beasts in Smith and Emeka Egbuka.
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The challenge that Texas has to rise to is in the start of the second half.
This is where Texas has to be careful. While most teams make impactful halftime adjustments, Texas has struggled in the third quarter all season. Second-half letdowns and chaotic third quarters have been an issue. Is it a lack of adjustments? Whatever the reason, this is not the game for those issues to reappear.
The Longhorns notched only a field goal against Clemson in the third period after posting four touchdowns in the first 30 minutes against the Tigers. Then, Texas posted eight yards and had the football for all of 2:22 in the third quarter versus Arizona State, punting the ball away following a three-and-out after opening the half with possession.
Meanwhile, Ohio State has been lights out in the third quarter all season. Until last week’s Rose Bowl against Oregon, they hadn’t allowed a single third-quarter touchdown all year—just three field goals total. That speaks volumes about their halftime adjustments and ability to execute right after the break. The Buckeyes also notched 14 points against the Volunteers and then took the life out of Oregon’s second half chances by hanging onto the football for 9:28 after halftime. Texas has to match that if it wants to win.
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The real chess match will be between the headsets. Can Texas break its trend of third-quarter struggles and adapt on the fly? Athlete for athlete, this feels like an even game. But if Ohio State’s coaching staff outmaneuvers Texas in adjustments—particularly coming out of halftime—it could decide who moves on to the championship.
