Ohio State tops Texas 14-7 as defense shines under Patricia

Ohio State opened its title defense with a statement Saturday at Ohio Stadium, using a swarming defense to beat top-ranked Texas 14-7 in a season opener that featured first-year starting quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning. The Buckeyes’ defense, under new coordinator Matt Patricia, repeatedly stalled Texas drives and forced key fourth-down stops that preserved the low-scoring win in Columbus.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day credited the defense for the victory, saying, "Those fourth-down stops were big." Patricia, the former NFL coordinator and head coach who joined Ohio State this offseason, was widely credited by players and coaches for a scheme that kept Manning uncomfortable and limited the Longhorns to 208 yards of total offense. Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception, according to team reports.

Defensive playmakers included junior cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who led the team with 10 tackles, junior linebacker Arvell Reese, who had nine tackles and a sack, and junior corner Jermain Mathews Jr., who recorded the interception. Senior corner Lorenzo Styles Jr. and junior safety Caleb Downs helped anchor a secondary that...