Ohio State is the second team Texas has faced this season (Georgia) that has the same talent level as them, which makes for a lot of intriguing matchups.

1. Texas CB Jahdae Barron vs Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith 

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, the Thorpe Award-winning defensive back versus arguably the best wide receiver in college football is the best one-on-one matchup of any Texas game this season. Jeremiah Smith may only be a freshman, but Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said he was NFL-ready after Smith caught seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. Barron, at 5'11, does give up some size to the 6'3, 215-pound Smith, but has proven his physicality in both coverage and the ground game.

However, the matchup that could have the most significant effect on the game is on the other side of the field, with Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka lining up against Texas' Malik Muhammad. Egbuka was a headliner in the contingent of Ohio State players who chose to forgo the 2024 NFL Draft for a National Championship run. While Smith has become the WR1, Egbuka may be the nation's best WR2 and is still a projected first-round pick. Muhammad has had a shaky College Football Playoff thus far. He allowed 120 yards on six receptions against Clemson, then allowed Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo to throw a touchdown on him.

2. Texas vs the Third Quarter

Texas' 'good' is as good as anybody in the country, including Ohio State. The problem is they've been incapable of putting a complete performance together. Per Brad Kellner, the Longhorns have been outscored 43-6 in the last six third quarters. Ohio State has outscored teams 62-7 in the previous six third quarters. Texas loses if its offense falls asleep for two-and-a-half quarters like it did against Arizona State. 

3. Texas DTs vs Ohio State center Carson Hinzman

Ohio State's offensive line allowing zero sacks through the CFP is even more impressive considering the injuries the unit has suffered. Three-time All-Big Ten guard Donovan Jackson has moved to left tackle after that position sustained two season-ending injuries. Meanwhile, Carson Hinzman has stepped in at center for Rimington Award-winner Seth McLaughlin, the unit's brain.

Hinzman will face his toughest test yet against Texas defensive tackles Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins. But the Longhorns' normally-stout run defense showed cracks against Arizona State, allowing 214 yards.

4. Texas WR Matthew Golden vs Ohio State corner Denzel Burke

Texas isn't playing this week if not for Matthew Golden, who had 7 catches for 149 yards and the touchdown on fourth-and-13 that saved the Longhorns' season against Arizona State. Golden has turned into Texas' WR1 while Isaiah Bond continues to claw back from injury. While Golden's NFL Draft stock has surged in 2024, the man across from him in the Cotton Bowl has seen his dip with a disappointing year, by his standards.

Burke, an All-American last season, was a first-to-second-round NFL Draft candidate who opted to return for a final season and did his stock harm by allowing eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon in the regular season. While he exacted revenge along with the rest of the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, not allowing a reception, he's shown a tendency to surrender the big plays that Texas needs to win this game.

5. Texas RT Cameron Williams vs Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer

Cameron Williams was available if needed but did not play in the Peach Bowl after sustaining a right knee sprain in the opening-round game against Clemson. He's likely to return against Ohio State, but Texas will need him as close to 100% as possible against Jack Sawyer, who's second on the team with eight sacks. Left tackle Kelvin Banks against First Team All-Big Ten defensive end JT Tuimoloau is the marquee matchup, but Williams is the wild card because of the injury.