Remarkable comparisons between 2026 Ohio State and 2006 Ohio State; silent count plans: Doug Rants

From Troy Smith-Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith-Ted Ginn Jr., I’m having flashbacks to this Austin trip 20 years ago.

Ohio State quarterbacks Troy Smith (left) and Julian Saying(right) arrived in Austin, Texas, as veteran wearing No. 10 and leading the No. 1 team in the country 20 years apart. (Photos courtesy of Ohio State football)

AUSTIN, Texas — Ten thoughts on the Ohio State Buckeyes and college football.

1. Earlier this week someone was asking me about the last Ohio State trip to Austin 20 years ago and my thoughts about that team, and in talking it out I was struck by the numerous comparisons between that No. 1 team that arrived in Texas in Week 2 coming off a win over a MAC team, and this version of the Buckeyes doing the same thing. What happened 20 years ago? A 24-7 OSU win as part of a perfect regular season in which the Buckeyes were a wire-to-wire No. 1. That’s not what I’m expecting from this version of Ohio State, but given all the similarities, maybe that should be the expectation.

   Let’s run through the comparisons as I wonder why it took me so long to realize this.