Revenge was sweet for the number one ranked Ohio State Buckeyes who were able to do to Number 2 Texas in Austin as Texas did to the Buckeyes in Columbus in 2005. And that was to go into the other teams stadium on national television and pull out a win. Losing to the Buckeyes also hinders the Longhorns chances for a National Championship repeat. The game was also the first time a number 1 faced a number 2 in a decade. Heisman Trophy candidate and Ohio State Quarterback Troy Smith torched the horns for 269 yards through the air and two touchdowns leading the Buckeyes to a 24-7 win Saturday night.
With the win, the Buckeyes (2-0) are in good shape to make a run to a national title. Keep winning and they should stay at number 1. “We haven’t claimed anything yet,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. “We still have to go back to the Horshoe and keep winning games.”
The Ohio State win also ended a 21 game home winning streak for the Longhorns dating back to the 2003 season when they lost to Arkansas in Memorial Stadium.
“We didn’t make the plays we needed to make,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “We had our chances there, even in the fourth quarter. Everyone tried, everyone played hard. Give Ohio State credit.”
Buckeyes Quarterback Troy Smith denied using revenge as a factor in the game. “Its not a revenge thing,” Smith said. “Any and every win we get during the course of the season is a good win.”
Texas redshirt freshman Quarterback Colt McCoy, starting only his second game was ineffective in moving the team. McCoy threw 19 of 32 for 154 yards and one touchdown.
“I thought Colt did a good job,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “He won’t have any more pressure than this probably his whole career. I thought he played with confidence and played well.”
“We’ve got to step up and make more plays for him,” said senior running back Selvin Young a senior Texas running back. He showed heart,” said junior receiver Limas Sweed. “This game will definitely help him out and be a confidence builder for him.
After the game the Buckeyes players ran to the endzone where the thousands of Ohio State Students were celebrating. “We came in here and beat the number 2 team in the country and the defending national champions in front of their home crowd.” Buckeye defensive end Vernon Gholston said. “We showed everybody what we can do.”
The Buckeyes defense, which replaced nine starters this season looked championship caliber holding Texas to a single touchdown. “Anytime you hold a team like Texas to 7 points in their own stadium is incredible,” Tressel said.
Next week Ohio State will entertain the University of Cincinnati Bearcats while Texas hosts the Rice Owls.
