How Ohio State shut down Texas: Matt Patricia's defense overwhelms Arch Manning in Week 1 showdown

With the No. 1 Texas Longhorns visiting The Horseshoe for Week 1 of the college football season, the No. 3 Buckeyes made an Ohio Statement.

The defending national champions opened the season with an impressive 14-7 win over the visitors. As evidenced by the final score, Ohio State established its dominance on the defensive end early and often, stifling a Steve Sarkisian offense led by Heisman hopeful Arch Manning.

Ohio State's defensive dominance was driven by first-year coordinator Matt Patricia, who made an immediate impact in his new role. Patricia, who had taken a year away from coaching before being hired by Ryan Day in February, allowed just seven points in his debut. His performance sets a high standard for the unit and offers confidence in the Buckeyes’ ability to compete for another national championship.

MORE OHIO STATE-TEXAS

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• Grading Arch Manning's Week 1 performance against Ohio State
• Inside Arch Manning's Week 1 stats against Ohio State

Who is Matt Patricia?

Patricia is the defensive coordinator for Ohio State.

He is a longtime football coach, beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Division III Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in 1996.

In the 30 years since, Patricia has coached at Division III Amherst College and Syracuse, though he is most known for spending over 16 seasons with the Patriots and leading the Lions for the better part of three seasons before he was fired.

Patricia returned to college for the first time in over 20 years and has made his impact felt almost immediately.

How good was Ohio State's defense against Texas?

Ohio State's defense was historically good against Texas.

In the first half, the Buckeyes held their opponent scoreless, as the Longhorns were held to just 79 yards of offense and four first downs. Texas became the first preseason No. 1 to be held scoreless in the first half of their season opener in 37 years, according to a stat shared by Brett McMurphy, among others.

Texas 1st preseason No. 1 ranked team to be held scoreless in 1st half of season opener since Florida State in 1988 31-0 loss to Miami, 37 years ago

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 30, 2025

The Longhorns appeared to figure something out in the third quarter, as they methodically drove into the red zone, eventually setting up a goal-to-go situation. It was on fourth-and-goal, however, when Ohio State again flexed its defensive muscle.

Texas attempted to punch things in via a "tush push" variation using the 6-4, 220-pound Manning, but Ohio State won in the trenches and stood the QB up at the goal line, denying the Longhorns' best chance of scoring up to that point.

THE BUCKEYES STOP TEXAS ON 4TH & GOAL @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/IaBbb4cut7

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

Texas got advantageous field position on its ensuing offensive possession, but the domination of the Ohio State defense continued. On second-and-12 from the Texas 52, Manning threw his first interception of the season, ending a promising drive before it began.

ARCH MANNING IS PICKED OFF 😱

The @ohiostatefb defense comes up with another massive play 😤 pic.twitter.com/5yaBXYZrQm

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

Ohio State took a 7-0 lead into the fourth quarter, and Texas was held scoreless through three quarters for the first time since it was shut out on Oct. 25, 2014.

Texas' next best shot to score also proved fruitless as Ohio State forced another turnover on downs. Manning attempted to find 13 in the corner of the end zone on fourth-and-3 from the 9-yard line, but the pass was broken up.

STOPPED ON 4TH DOWN AGAIN 🤯

THE @OHIOSTATEFB DEFENSE IS UNREAL TODAY pic.twitter.com/2DAgdyzSvQ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

The Longhorns were far too talented to be shut completely down, but the Buckeyes' defense again stepped up when it mattered most. Ohio State shut down Texas' potential game-tying drive, effectively ending the game and securing the statement win.

THE BUCKEYE DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN TEXAS ON 4TH DOWN... AGAIN 😱@ohioStatefb pic.twitter.com/W9ziVhZYc5

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

In the immediate moments after the game, Day said, "[Patricia] did a great job. Our staff did a great job," when asked about the defensive showing. "We've got a lot of respect for [Manning] and [Sarkisian], and they're going to have a great season."

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Matt Patricia coaching history

Patricia's coaching history spans nearly 30 years and includes several stops. Before joining Day's staff at Ohio State, Patricia's last college coaching stint came in 2003 at Syracuse.

During his time with the Patriots organization, Patricia had a role in three Super Bowl wins (39, 49 and 51). He posted a 13-29 record during his polarizing stint as Detroit's head coach and was fired in 2020.