Texas vs. Ohio State dominated by a scoreless first quarter defensive battle

Jeff Hauser

Texas vs. Ohio State dominated by a scoreless first quarter defensive battle image

The early matchup of the year between No.1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State got off to a good start. Instead of a head-to-head top quarterback feature between Arch Manning and Julian Sayin, the defensive units for their respective teams stepped up to the challenge. 

Manning and the Longhorns got the ball first and stalled out on downs. A 9-play, 33-yard drive that took nearly five minutes off the clock gave Sayin and the Buckeyes an opportunity to capitalize near midfield. However, Texas wasn't having any part of that plan. 

Like Texas, Ohio State didn't have an answer on offense. Sayin led his team on a quick four-and-out before handing the ball back to Manning and the Longhorns. It's clear both teams are trying to settle in for this major contest.  

First quarter stats:

Manning: 3-of-5, 13 yards 

Sayin: 3-of-6, 33 yards 

Texas ended the first quarter going 0-4 on third down conversion and 1-2 on fourth down. Ohio State was no better, going 1-3 on third and 0-1 on fourth, respectively. The scoreless first half isn't expected to carry on. Tune into FOX for the rest of the action.

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.