Longhorns, Buckeyes set to clash in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The eyes of college football fans across the nation will be on Austin when the No. 5 Texas Longhorns meet the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Texas enters the matchup after dominating Texas State 59-7 in its season opener.

"About as perfect of an opener for the U.T. football team as fans could’ve hoped for," reporter John Hygh said. "Those who could bear the heat for the whole game saw the Horns dominate what’s been a solid Texas State program."

Texas looks to break losing streak

The backstory:

The Longhorns are looking to break a two-game losing streak to the Buckeyes. The teams have met five times previously, with Ohio State leading the series 3-2. The upcoming matchup will be the sixth meeting between the programs.

The last time the teams met in Austin was Sept. 9, 2006, when Ohio State won 24-7. The teams were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the time.

This will be the second consecutive year the programs meet in a top five match-up. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said the Longhorns played a clean first half against Texas State.

"I really thought offensively it was a really clean first half," Sarkisian said.

Quarterback Arch Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns in less than three quarters of action.

"I thought we had good juice today," Manning said. "I think it’s a credit to the new guys coming in. The freshmen we’ve all clicked really well. And I’m excited to keep it going."

What they're saying:

Sarkisian said Manning was efficient but still has areas to improve.

"He’s over 300 yards, four touchdowns, and managed the game really well," Sarkisian said. "And was very efficient."

The Texas defense also made an impact, forcing three turnovers. One of those turnovers led to a touchdown.

"It’s all about the ball mentality," Texas sophomore defensive back Graceson Littleton said. "We were going for the ball, hunting for the ball and making opportunities for the defense."

Senior linebacker Rasheem Biles said the defense remained focused throughout the game.

"We were dialed in on the tempo," Biles said. "We were getting lined up. We had a spot-the-ball mentality, and we played together as a whole team."

Sarkisian said Texas’ preparation would not change because of the opponent.

"The opponent doesn’t dictate how we prepare and ultimately how we play," Sarkisian said. "We dictate that."

Hygh said the Longhorns still have areas to improve before facing Ohio State.

"Coach Sark says they put on a good show for their fans," Hygh said. "But they weren’t perfect, and they have things they have to improve on, especially heading into next Saturday’s matchup against No. 1 Ohio State."

A ticket to the game costs what?

By the numbers:

While the game is officially sold out, tickets are available from third-party retailers.

As of Saturday afternoon, the cheapest ticket available on SeatGeek was $488, while the most expensive was listed at $15,980.

Fans who do not have tickets can still enjoy the atmosphere outside the stadium. A large screen will be set up on the LBJ Lawn, so fans can watch the game.

Other activities outside the stadium include the Bevo Parade on Bevo Boulevard at 3:30 p.m., musical performances at Longhorn City Limits, the team arrival on Bevo Boulevard at 4:15 p.m. and the Longhorn Band March to the stadium at 5:30 p.m.

Prepare for the heat

Austin is under a heat advisory Saturday until 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures could reach 106 degrees, with a heat index of up to 111 degrees.

Hydration will play a major role in enjoying the game.

Texas Athletics will have "water monsters" set up throughout the stadium, with a couple of stations outside the stadium as well, to provide free water.

The stars at night are big and bright

Why you should care:

The matchup will feature no shortage of star power Saturday night.

Quarterbacks Arch Manning and Julian Sayin, receivers Cam Coleman and Jeremiah Smith, and running backs Bo Jackson and Hollywood Smothers will all try to lead their teams to victory.

The game could have an impact on the College Football Playoff picture in December and the Heisman Trophy race.

Oddsmakers expect a close game, with Texas an early 1½-point favorite over Ohio State.

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