COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the days turn to hours before No. 3 Ohio States face top-ranked Texas to open the Buckeyes' defense of its national championship, players are feeling the excitement building around Columbus.

“Obviously, the real test is in the game, but I think our guys are ready,” Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles said. “I think we’re one group, we’re together and we know how to respond.”

There’s a lot of confidence in the Ohio State defense heading into the game. On Wednesday, safety Caleb Downs was asked what he would be doing if he had to prepare for a quarterback where there is limited tape, like Buckeyes starter Julian Sayin.

"We'll be going through your mind,” he said. “I mean, they're probably just thinking, ‘Where's Jeremiah [Smith]?’ So, I mean, I don't know. Yeah, I

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