Texas did the unthinkable.
AUSTIN – The city of Austin, TX erupted in joy and exultation with fireworks blazing and rays of orange shining across the stadium after witnessing one of the most improbable victories in franchise history. Quarterback Arch Manning and the No. 4-ranked Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-23.
The Longhorns were down 23-3 after the third quarter and proceeded to The largest fourth quarter comeback in Longhorns history since Week 10 of the 2007 season against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (38-35, overcoming a 21-point deficit). No other team has beaten a No. 1 ranked opponent while being down 21 points in the history of college football…until last night.
The first half was all downhill. Opening drive for Texas starts with a fumble by running back Raleek Brown. Ohio State knocks down an easy field goal. Second drive, Manning threw a rainbow of a pass to receiver Cam Coleman, only for the football to bounce off Coleman’s chest upon landing and winds up in the hands of Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain. Following the interception, Buckeyes running back rushed down the middle for an eight-yard touchdown.
The Buckeyes finished the half with an 19-yard receiving touchdown from all-star receiver Jeremiah Smith putting the Buckeyes up 20-3. The skies darkened for the fans in orange and white as they felt impending doom upon them.
Then, with 14:19 to go in the fourth quarter, Manning finds receiver Ryan Wingo for a three-yard touchdown. From that point on, after that touchdown, the game was officially under Texas’s control. After forcing a three-and-out on Ohio State, Texas scores yet another touchdown: a one-yard punch into the end-zone by running back Hollywood Smothers.
The score was now 23-17. The crowd is on their feet and roaring from the top to bottom rows of Texas Memorial Stadium.
On the drive after Buckeyes kicker Connor Hawkins missed a 48-yard field goal, Smothers crossed the plain again with another one-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining in the game. With time ticking down, Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin, out of desperation, heaved a last-second interception to Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton. The Longhorns surpassed the odds with a come-from-behind victory that’ll be remembered for years to come.
Twenty years ago, the Ohio State knocked off Texas in Austin with an easy 24-7 victory. Today, the script has been flipped.
Once the partying has died down, the Texas Longhorns will play at home once more as they go up against the UTSA Roadrunners next week. What a time to be a Longhorns fan.
