Will extreme 100-degree heat affect Ohio State in Austin vs Longhorns?

Austin will experience extreme heat of 102-degrees on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The humid conditions are expected to make the heat feel even more oppressive. This intense heat has become a common occurrence in Texas during the summer months. The Texas Longhorns football team, whose roster is largely composed of players from Texas and the South, are well-adapted to such high temperatures.

The Longhorns have even practiced extensively in the heat, as their new indoor football facility was not ready until after the start of the season. Ohio State, on the other hand, has had a more varied training environment, with a fair amount of practice indoors at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, where the average August high has been 84-degrees.

Fans attending Ohio State's game against Texas State last Saturday needed medical assistance for heat exhaustion, a clear indication of the strain the heat can place on individuals, even those who are accustomed to such conditions. The medical staff transported 13 patients to hospitals during the game. In response to this challenge, Ohio State Athletic Director Chris Del Conte is planning to add more water stations for the upcoming game against Texas.

The Buckeyes' game against Texas is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, providing a slight advantage as the peak temperature for the day will occur during warm-ups, and the true cooling will not begin until later in the evening. While the heat may tip the scales in favor of Texas, it will be just one of many factors that will determine the outcome of the game.