Texas basketball: 3 bold predictions for opener vs. Ohio St
By Shane Black
Texas wins by double digits
Given the current 2.5-point spread and KenPom's projection of a one-point Texas win, Vegas and the advanced analytics see this as an incredibly tight contest. However, I am more bullish on Texas' ability to enforce their will on the Buckeyes.
Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler had a lot of success in his month leading the Buckeyes as an interim, but the pressure ratchets up tenfold with the full-time title next to his name (just ask Rodney Terry).
The Buckeyes have struggled with pressure over the past few seasons, which ultimately led to Chris Holtmann's firing. I think this team will once again feel that pressure as they look to get off to a hot start in year one of the Diebler era.
Don't get me wrong, Ohio State is talented. However, Texas has more firepower and depth to deploy over the course of 40 minutes.
The Longhorns' lack of interior size and depth could hurt them over the course of the season. I just don't think Ohio State has the bigs to exploit this weakness.
Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw was a five-star recruit in the class of 2023 but struggled mightily in his first season of college basketball. Behind him, sophomores Austin Parks and Devin Royal, as well as freshman Colin White, will be in the rotation.
If the Horns get dominated on the glass, hand up, I'll take the blame. I just don't see this young Ohio State frontcourt as a game-changing group of players.
We will see a Longhorn team that is focused, hungry, and ready to kick off the season after what has been reported as a strong fall camp.
Give me 86-74, Texas.
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