College football analyst predicts big win by Texas over Ohio State in Week 1
A new preseason prediction piece from CBS Sports emphatically picks Texas to beat the Buckeyes on Aug. 30. College football analyst Brad Crawford, who projects the first loss by each team in the Big Ten, says Ohio State has had too many changes since lifting the national title trophy to compete with Texas.
"Two new coordinators. A first-year starting quarterback. A rebuilt defensive front seven. It might take time for the reigning national champions to gel, but there's no easing in -- not with Texas coming to town. The Longhorns also have revenge on their minds after Ohio State kept them out of the title game last year." - Brad Crawford of CBS Sports
Indeed, putting in a new system on each side of the ball is difficult. On offense, new coordinator Brian Hartline will most likely continue the concepts that made the Buckeyes offense successful last season under Chip Kelly.
On defense, Ohio State brings in Matt Patricia. The longtime defensive coordinator in New England during the Patriots dynasty and former Detroit Lions head coach will bring a new scheme to Columbus.
"We're going against a really good defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, which I don't think people are talking a whole lot about." - Texas coach Steve Sarkisian with Colin Cowherd
While Texas might have issues figuring out the Ohio State defensive schemes on the fly, the Buckeyes might be struggling with its implementation in the first game of the year.
OSU will be a tough challenge for Texas. But it goes both ways. The Buckeyes have their hands full with UT.
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