Fourth ranked Texas produced one of the program's most dramatic comebacks to beat top ranked Ohio State 24-23 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman.
The Longhorns trailed 23-3 after three quarters before mounting a 21-0 fourth quarter run that produced three touchdown drives of 71 yards or more, the paper reported.
Hollywood Smothers scored the winning touchdown on a one yard dive with 37 seconds remaining and Gianni Spetic kicked the extra point for Texas's first and only lead of the game.
Ohio State had dominated much of the game. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 12 of 16 passes for 192 yards in the opening half, and Jeremiah Smith was a frequent target in that stretch, the report said.
Turnovers hurt Texas early. Raleek Brown lost a swing pass on the game's first play and a Cam Coleman catch bounced into the hands of Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain, setting up short field points for the visitors.
Sayin and the Buckeyes converted those opportunities into a 20 to 3 lead through three quarters. Ohio State also saw a missed 45 yard field goal by Connor Hawkins late which kept the game within reach for the Longhorns.
Texas methodically cut into the advantage. Arch Manning engineered long drives, including a 91 yard 15 play sequence that produced a three yard touchdown to Ryan Wingo early in the fourth quarter, the account said.
Manning finished with 196 yards and one touchdown. He leaned on senior receiver Emmett Mosley V, who had five catches for 67 yards and became Manning's primary connection in the final period.
Graceson Littleton sealed the game with a deep pass interception on Ohio State's final possession following a holding penalty, prompting a Longhorn team celebration near the south end zone.
Implications And Reaction
The comeback gave Texas momentum and, according to the Austin American-Statesman, offered a boost in the national championship conversation and some measure of redemption after recent close losses to Ohio State.
The result raised questions about game management for Ohio State. Live coverage cited a fourth down decision and an earlier choice to avoid a field goal as moments that left fans and analysts debating coach Ryan Day's approach.
Steve Sarkisian and Texas received praise for the late adjustments the Longhorns made, while the crowd of 105,044, listed as the third largest in school history, played a notable role, the report said.
The game also featured sideline attention from celebrities and a tense, see saw finish that highlighted both teams' strengths and mistakes. The loss will be a test for Ohio State as the season continues.
