Ohio State Rolls, Set for ‘Monster Game’ at Texas

The term “monster game” often refers to high-stakes showdowns between top-ranked teams, but when Ohio State coach Ryan Day mentioned it in conversation about his team’s upcoming matchup against No. 5 Texas, the implications were far-reaching.

Ohio State’s history with Texas is well-documented: they’ve beaten the Longhorns in each of their last two meetings, including a 2019 playoff quarterfinal victory. However, this season’s schedule seems designed to test their mettle against the best teams in the country. Day’s emphasis on road games is rooted in his program’s offseason and preseason focus on developing skills necessary for success under pressure.

A team that can win on the road, particularly against top-tier opponents, demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Ohio State’s 56-3 thrashing of Ball State was a prime example: they came out sharp, built a commanding lead by halftime, and then rested their starters to avoid injury in the second half.

However, prioritizing winning on the road above all else risks sacrificing depth and development within your own program. Star players like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin are being asked to perform at an elite level from the get-go, with little opportunity for growth or experimentation in more low-stakes games.

Smith’s performance against Ball State was impressive: 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns in just over a half of play. But what does it mean for his long-term development as a player? By holding him out of the second half, Day is sending a message: this is the level at which Smith needs to perform if he wants to contribute to Ohio State’s success.

Ohio State’s reliance on their top players also raises questions about their ability to adapt in the face of adversity. What happens when Smith or Sayin gets injured? Who steps up to fill the void? These are not trivial concerns; they speak to a larger issue of depth and preparation that must be addressed if Ohio State wants to truly contend for a national championship.

As the Buckeyes prepare to take on Texas next weekend, they’ll do so with an expectation of greatness hanging over them. It’s a weighty burden to bear, one that can either propel them to new heights or crush them beneath its weight. The question is: are Ohio State and their coaching staff ready for the challenge?