Texas produced a stunning comeback against Ohio State, overturning a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the top-ranked Buckeyes 24-23 in Austin on Saturday night.
The Longhorns appeared out of the contest after falling 23-3 entering the final period, but quarterback Arch Manning sparked a remarkable revival at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Texas completes dramatic comeback against Ohio State
Manning found Ryan Wingo for a three-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter before Hollywood Smothers added two scores to complete the turnaround.
Smothers’ first touchdown, a one-yard run, cut Ohio State’s advantage to six points with 7min 14sec remaining. The running back then finished the job by leaping over the pile for the winning score with only 25 seconds left.
He ended the game with 74 rushing yards from 21 carries, as well as 29 receiving yards. Wingo caught four passes for 22 yards, including the touchdown that began Texas’s decisive 21-point surge.
Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, while also directing the late possession that gave Texas the chance to take the lead.
Ohio State had controlled the opening three quarters, moving 10-0 ahead after the first period and taking a 20-3 lead into half-time. Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards and a touchdown, with Jeremiah Smith making eight catches for 164 yards and a score.
But the Buckeyes were held scoreless in the final quarter. Their attempt to extend their lead ended when Connor Hawkins missed a 45-yard field goal with 4min 16sec remaining, giving Texas the opening it needed.
The Longhorns finished with 336 total yards, including 140 on the ground, while Ohio State amassed 372 yards. Texas committed two turnovers to the Buckeyes’ one but nevertheless secured its first victory over Ohio State since 2005.
The result moved Texas to 2-0 and ended Ohio State’s unbeaten start. It also levelled the all-time series at 3-3.
