In anticipation of the upcoming Cotton Bowl showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes, ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy has emphasized the critical importance of Texas establishing a robust running game to counter Ohio State’s formidable defense. McElroy asserts that the Longhorns must be innovative in their offensive strategies, particularly in their rushing attack, to effectively challenge the Buckeyes.
McElroy highlights that in games where Texas struggled to run the ball, the outcomes were unfavorable. He specifically mentions running backs Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue as pivotal players who need to be actively involved and productive. McElroy suggests that Texas might need to employ unconventional methods, such as utilizing extended handoffs or plays that function similarly to toss sweeps, to successfully engage their running backs and circumvent Ohio State’s defensive strengths.
The Buckeyes’ defense has been particularly dominant, with linebacker Cody Simon recording two sacks in their recent victory over Oregon, contributing to his season total of seven sacks and a forced fumble. Additionally, defensive back Caleb Downs, honored as the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, poses a significant challenge to Texas’s offensive efforts.
In their recent double-overtime win against Arizona State, the Longhorns’ rushing attack was underwhelming. Wisner managed only 45 yards on 18 carries, while Blue added a mere four yards on four attempts. This lack of a potent ground game contributed to the unexpectedly close contest, underscoring McElroy’s point about the necessity for improvement in this area.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, McElroy’s analysis suggests that for Texas to overcome Ohio State’s stout defense, a revitalized and creative rushing strategy will be essential. The performance of Wisner and Blue could be the determining factor in the Longhorns’ quest to secure a victory and advance in the College Football Playoff.