Texas Longhorns defense tasked with stopping rolling Ohio State offense

When the Longhorns face the Buckeyes on Friday, their goal will be to stop an offense that no one in the country has been able to solve over the last few weeks

Following a thrilling win over Arizona State, the Texas Longhorns are one win from an appearance in the national championship game. The only team standing in their way is the Ohio State Buckeyes.

When the Longhorns face the Buckeyes on Friday, their goal will be to stop an offense that no one in the country has been able to solve over the last few weeks.

In their last two wins, Ohio State scored 83 points, including 41 against the top team in the country in Oregon. During the postseason, Buckeyes QB Will Howard has been stellar adding five touchdown passes to his resume. While he has not disappointed, the Longhorns are ready to prove themselves against one of the best offenses in the country.

As Texas looks to stop the Buckeyes, it will need its top pass rushers at their best. That includes Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr., who have combined for 16.5 sacks this season. The talented duo, who has also gotten some help from Trey Moore, has shown a knack for frustrating offensive coordinators.

While the Texas defense has struggled at times during the playoffs, they have plenty of talent to hang with Ohio State. That includes Jahdae Barron, the 2024 Thorpe Award winner. The Longhorns will need to slow down the Ohio State passing attack, and that is where Barron comes in. If he can make life hard for Howard, then the Longhorns should be in good hands.

During the regular season, Ohio State struggled when the offensive interior was dominated. That happened against Michigan, and the Longhorns, with Simmons and veteran Alfred Collins, have the talent to replicate the Wolverines. Their goal will be to provide pressure all night long.

For the Longhorns to continue their playoff run, the defense will be counted on more than ever before, but it is a challenge they are ready for.