Ohio State and Texas meet again as two of the Top 5 teams in the country. The Silver Bulletin’s staff makes their predictions for the showdown in Austin. 

These are two of the biggest brands in collegiate sports, meeting for the third season in a row—Ryan Day vs. Steve Sarkisian, Julian Sayin vs. Arch Manning, and Ohio State vs. Texas. Storylines abound, and NFL talent is littered across the field for the two National Title contenders.

The Silver Bulletin’s staff shares their Week 2 predictions for the highly anticipated matchup between the Buckeyes and Longhorns.

Dave

This is a true toss-up, and I could see any outcome. I like Texas solely for the home-field advantage, but could certainly see Ohio State pulling out a victory. Neither team showed much on film in Week 1, and I’d expect two completely different game plans than what we saw to open the season.

Texas 24, Ohio State 23

Blake Biscardi

There’s reason to feel back and forth about this game. However, what sways the game for me is Ohio State’s net advantage in the head coach-coordinator-quarterback trio. I trust the Buckeyes more than the Longhorns, even at home, though DKR will be rocking. Read my 3 Keys to the Game here.

On the analysis side, Ohio State has to run the football and keep Julian Sayin clean in pass protection. Jeremiah Smith must be featured as well and given opportunities to impact the game beyond being a decoy. I believe Arthur Smith has a plan to get No. 4 the football.

The offenses are more experienced than they were a year ago, so I expect more points than in the last two meetings. Texas is teetering on being in desperation mode, even though a loss to either doesn’t derail a season. Can Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning finally answer the bell against the Buckeyes? I think it’s a hard-fought game that’s tight until the end. Because of the trust factors in situational moments, I think Ohio State makes one more play when it matters most.

Ohio State 31, Texas 27

Grant Kincaid

Ohio State makes the trip to Austin, Texas, with a few unanswered questions on both sides of the ball. This game still feels like a coin flip to me. In my gut, I lean toward the Longhorns. They get OSU at home, in primetime, and the desperation for a marquee win is at an all-time high for Sark. Hopefully the Buckeyes prove me wrong.

Texas 31, Ohio State 27

Dan Smyth

Both teams enter this game nearly identical. The difference this time will be Texas’s home-field advantage along with their upgrades at wide receiver and running back. Texas finally gets over the hump in a thrilling shootout.

Texas 36, Ohio State 35

Josh Cassinger

A top-five matchup awaits the Buckeyes on the road as they travel to Austin to take on Texas. Last year’s 14-7 victory was a defensive battle, but the question remains: who has more pressure? Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning or Ryan Day and Julian Sayin? I honestly think it is on Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian, as they don’t want to fall to 0-3 against the Buckeyes.

I do, however, think both offenses will make plays, but I believe the Buckeyes will find ways to get the ball to Jeremiah Smith, while their defense makes enough big plays to lead them to victory.

Ohio State 35, Texas 27

AJ Mahoney

Defense has been a huge part of the last two meetings, and I expect more of the same this year. No offense has surpassed more than 21 points, and that will still stand. Matt Patricia will

Ohio State 17, Texas 14

Cody Croy

I think the Buckeyes offense will be firing on all cylinders in this one. Jeremiah Smith will rewrite the narrative with a strong performance, and the Buckeyes will be supported by a strong performance from the run game, unlike last season’s matchup. Matt Patricia’s defense will shine once again, making Arch Manning’s job much harder.

Ohio State 28, Texas 7

Carson Hutton

Pressure is a huge aspect of any game, and all the pressure is on Texas, in my opinion. They’ve dropped two games to Ohio State in two years. They missed the playoffs last year and haven’t won a national championship in a while. They are the ones playing at home with supposedly a once-in-a-generation quarterback. Yes, Ohio State also has a tough schedule and could use this win, but I think they will play a little looser than most think while being led by their leaders on both sides of the ball.

Ryan Day’s squad will weather the early storm and get some chunk plays through new faces Devin McCuin and Legend Bey. The defense will bend but not break, forcing a key second-half turnover. The Buckeyes might trail early but finish strong to pick up their first huge win of the year, proving that they own Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.

Ohio State 24, Texas 21

Alex Biscardi

Jeremiah Smith gets an early touchdown for the Buckeyes. On defense, Devin Sanchez gets a big interception in an impact play that swings momentum. One player to watch is Colin Simmons on the Texas D-line; he can be a difference-maker if Ohio State doesn’t have a plan for him.

Ohio State 27, Texas 24

The Buckeyes and Longhorns will kick off at 7:30/6:30 pm under hot and sunny skies in Austin before the daylight dims and the lights come on for an expected classic.

Stay tuned to The Silver Bulletin for continuing coverage all weekend.

NEXT: Read Ohio State vs. Texas: 3 Keys to Victory for the Buckeyes in Austin