The eyes of the college football world will turn toward Columbus Saturday afternoon as Week 1 officially begins. Ohio State will welcome Texas for not only an SEC vs. Big Ten showdown, but also a College Football Playoff rematch.
The anticipation is building for the Top-5 matchup. Former Texas star Bijan Robinson also logged his prediction Tuesday, picking his alma mater by two touchdowns.
During an appearance on NFL Live on Tuesday, Robinson predicted Texas would win 28-14. He also noted the importance of the game – which he said most people close to the Longhorns program know already – and what’s at stake against Ohio State.
“As an alum, as a Texas player, knowing the expectations that are coming with this game, it’s going to be huge,” Robinson said. “I know all the guys are ready. I think this is a statement game right here. It just happens to be the first game of the season. We go to Ohio. I know it’s going to be 100,000 there.
“It’s going to be loud. But I think for us, if we just go in there and blanket everything out and understand that this is our game and we have to control the environment, then we’re going to get a win.”
Ohio State is a 2.5-point favorite over Texas in Saturday’s game, according to BetMGM. It marks the start of a new era for the Longhorns as Arch Manning begins his time as the Longhorns’ full-time starting quarterback. For the Buckeyes, they will begin their quest to defend their national championship and also have a new quarterback in Julian Sayin.
To SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, Texas has the chance to go in and prove itself as the No. 1 team in the country. He thinks the Longhorns will get a resounding victory over the defending champions, citing Manning’s experience in 12 collegiate games as a potential difference-maker.
“I expect Texas to beat them, and I think they’re going to beat them badly,” Finebaum said Tuesday on ESPN’s Get Up. “I know people are saying, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ Well, that may be up for debate. But I really think Texas is the better team.
“I don’t like Ohio State’s situation, from a coaching standpoint. Two new coordinators. Yes, both teams have new quarterbacks, but Arch Manning has a lot more experience than Julian Sayin. Remember, he came over from Alabama after [Nick] Saban retired.”