⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Pick/market: I actually think this game is gonna be in the high 20s, and I do think we just come up short .

- Injury: I like our depth better.

- OL/DL: This is why away games get me on the edge…..it’s that one variable you can’t quite discount.

- QB/OL: We are DEEP at some positions but the amount of proven depth almost goes away when it comes to the OL and QB.

- Ohio State coach Ryan Day said defensive end Qua Russaw had returned to practice and completed a full week, an availability update ahead of Texas without a stated game snap count. - Ohio State was still evaluating its kick-return role through game time: Legend Bey caught kicks in Wednesday's practice alongside other candidates, so Day did not confirm him as the returner. - Ohio State freshman nickelback Jay Timmons stood out to Day on film for competitiveness and a demeanor beyond his experience level, a favorable personnel assessment rather than confirmation of an expanded role against Texas. - Ohio State has practiced silent-count variations throughout the summer for road environments, with Arthur Smith contributing adjustments; Day also highlighted additional quarterback meetings with receivers and offensive linemen to coordinate the Texas preparation, while acknowledging that execution still has to follow. - Ohio State used sports-science preparation and increased indoor heat ahead of the forecast extreme temperatures in Austin, but Day acknowledged its practice heat had not matched Texas conditions and expected both teams to use substantial depth.

- DL: Think there's a lot to be encouraged about with this group of DL.

- Coaching: Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the showdown at Texas on Saturday (7:30 p.m.

- DL/LB: D-line rotation will depend on how long they are on the field.

- Ohio State's listed highlights against Ball State included Julian Sayin touchdown passes to Jeremiah Smith from 48 yards and three yards, showing Smith involved in both a deep completion and a goal-line scoring play. - Ohio State produced third-quarter rushing touchdowns of 65 yards to the left and 49 yards to the right, giving the opener's running game explosive scores in both directions. - Ohio State's early second-quarter interception by Alford came on a play credited with a Wilder quarterback hurry, linking pass pressure to a defensive takeaway in the supplied play record.

- Sarkisian described Ohio State's interior defensive line as deep and disruptive despite veteran departures, highlighting pocket collapse and stout run defense as specific challenges for Texas. - Sarkisian identified Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith's size, speed and contested-catch ability as requiring varied coverage and constant tracking, while cautioning that overcommitting to him would compromise defense of the Buckeyes' running game.

- QB/DL: Agreed although I thought the whole DL did pretty well with their pressures.

- Ohio State used Tarvos Alford as the starting outside linebacker in a 4-3 look, while freshman Jay Timmons entered as the nickel back when the defense shifted packages. - Zion Grady started at defensive end over Beau Atkinson and generated a third-down pressure during a mostly strong first half for the Ohio State defense. - Ohio State's offensive line rotated early, with Austin Siereveld moving from right guard to right tackle, Gabe Van Sickle entering at guard, and Phillip Daniels briefly going to the bench before returning. - The halftime review said Ohio State's run blocking or Arthur Smith's run scheme needs work before the Texas game after a hit-or-miss early rushing performance. - Freshman kick returner Legend Bey twice ignored an upback telling him to stay in the end zone, putting Ohio State's offense in poor field position.

- Ohio State entered and exited the Ball State game extremely healthy, with no starters hurt and Kyle Parker described as the only injured backup. - The podcast flagged right tackle health as especially important with Texas' defensive line and Colin Simmons coming next. - Julian Sayin was described as crisp after missing his first two throws, while Philip Daniels appeared healthy and animated on the sideline. - Ohio State's defensive depth was framed as strong enough that Edward Houston, Will Smith Jr., James Smith, or John Walker could be part of the starting mix if needed.

- Pick/market: Linebacker TJ Alford starts for Ohio State as the Buckeyes come out in a 4-3 defense.