3 takeaways from Ohio State's win over Texas

The venue was different, the stakes were lower, and many of the names had changed, but once again Saturday it was Ohio State that walked off the field victorious over Texas.

Although the Week 1 showdown didn't have the same pop as January's national semifinal, the result still gives us plenty to talk about - most notably, Arch Manning's struggles in his first road start.

Here are three takeaways from the Buckeyes' victory at home.

Arch Madness fizzles

Manning headlined the discussion entering the game, and Ohio State's defense wanted no part of showing up on the quarterback's highlight tape. He underwhelmed on his biggest stage to date, throwing for just 38 yards in the opening three quarters. He looked uncomfortable throughout, and it quickly became evident that Steve Sarkisian would be very conservative in his play-calling for the third-year passer. That might have worked against a tiny directional school, but not the defending national champions.

Manning's interception didn't flatter him either, but this pass on a failed fourth-down conversion in the final quarter shows just how much he was struggling to find his targets.

Although Manning piled up some yards late and threw an outstanding touchdown pass, his overall performance was highly concerning. The betting markets took note: The preseason Heisman favorite is no longer No. 1 on the board after his odds tumbled throughout the contest.

There's no question Manning possesses elite talent, and he will likely flourish as the schedule gets easier. However, Saturday should quiet the Heisman chatter and title talk until we see him come through against a top team. Three games against Group of 5 opponents loom before a date with No. 15 Florida on Oct. 4.

Patricia was a great hire

Jim Knowles, we hardly knew ye.

Despite the champions' defensive coordinator leaving for Penn State - and a number of top defenders departing for the NFL - the Buckeyes dominated Texas on that side of the ball. Most of the players on the field weren't born the last time Matt Patricia had a college job, but the longtime NFL coach thrived in his first game as coordinator for Ohio State.

Texas ran 26 plays in the opening half for 79 yards and converted 1 of 7 third-down chances. Patricia's defense held the Longhorns scoreless in that time, making them the first preseason No. 1 to be shut out in the first half of the season opener since 1988. The secondary was particularly effective, with Caleb Downs, Davison Igbinosun, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. combining for 22 tackles and an interception.

Ohio State replaced eight of 11 starters from last year's top-ranked defense, but it looks like business as usual in Columbus. That'll be important because ...

Ohio State's offense needs work

Julian Sayin made some nice throws, avoided any turnovers, and walked off the field with a win over the top-ranked team in his first collegiate start. That counts as an excellent showing for the former five-star recruit. However, the Buckeyes' offense is far from the dominant unit we saw last year, especially when it comes to explosive plays from running backs.

TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are off to the NFL, with CJ Donaldson and James Peoples forming the backfield duo this year. The pair combined for just 87 yards on 29 carries Saturday. A strong running game is a young quarterback's best friend, but Sayin was handcuffed by the Buckeyes' struggles to move the ball on the ground.

Sayin will need some reps to truly get cooking in the passing game, even with the ridiculous receiving talent at his disposal. Carnell Tate's incredible 40-yard touchdown aside, Sayin had just 86 yards passing on 19 attempts. Jeremiah Smith had two drops in the first quarter versus Texas - more than he had all of last season.

Sayin showed enough flashes to indicate he has the talent to shine for Ohio State. However, patience will be needed as the entire offense takes some time to get up to speed.