The Texas Longhorns open their season against the Ohio State Buckeyes in what amounts to a College Football Playoff rematch. The Buckeyes knocked Texas out of the playoffs last season and went on to win the national championship.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t losing sleep over the heavyweight matchup.
“We’ve been in big games before,” Sarkisian said. “Our guys know what it takes to compete at this level.”
The September opener gives Texas an immediate chance for revenge. It also presents one of the toughest possible tests to start a season.
Ohio State returns most of its championship core. The Buckeyes bring back quarterback Will Howard and a defense that dominated in the playoffs.
Texas finished last season with a 13-3 record before falling to Ohio State in the semifinal. The Longhorns won the SEC in their first year in the conference.
Sarkisian has coached in pressure situations throughout his career. He led Texas to its first playoff appearance since joining the SEC.
“The stage doesn’t change how we prepare,” he said.
The game will be played at a neutral site. Both teams enter with championship expectations for the upcoming season.
Texas returns several key players from last year’s playoff team. The Longhorns have experience in big games after navigating their first SEC schedule.
The matchup represents one of the marquee games of opening weekend. College football fans will get an early indicator of where both programs stand.
