Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns pulled off one of the wildest comebacks in recent college football memory, snatching a win from the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes right when it looked impossible. Texas, ranked fourth in the country, roared back with a blistering 21 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 17-point deficit and stun Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and the Buckeyes.
Buckeyes Looked Unstoppable, Then Just… Stopped
Before Manning’s heroics, this game was all about the Buckeyes. Sayin, Smith, and the entire Ohio State squad broke out to a sizable advantage, putting Texas on their heels. Jeremiah Smith was absolutely cooking in the first half, looking unstoppable and proving why he’s a star in the making. He finished as the game’s leading receiver with a whopping 164 yards on 8 receptions, including a touchdown that surely felt like a dagger at the time. Julian Sayin had a solid outing through the air, too, tossing for 278 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Ohio State piled up 372 total yards, with 278 passing and 94 rushing, converting 19 first downs. They had the lead, they had the momentum, and it felt like they were cruising to another victory. But then, Smith’s production dried up, and with it, so did Ohio State’s scoring potential.
Manning’s Brutal Start Turns into Comeback Glory
Meanwhile, Arch Manning was battling through a brutal opening half, but when the fourth quarter hit, something clicked for the Texas quarterback. The Longhorns needed every single one of those 21 fourth-quarter points to flip the script, and Manning delivered. The comeback started with Manning finding Ryan Wingo for a crucial touchdown pass, sparking life into the Texas sideline. After that, it was the Hollywood Smothers show, with two rushing touchdowns that completed the incredible rally. Smothers punched in the game-winning touchdown with a mere 25 seconds left on the clock, leaving Ohio State with no answer and stunning the top-ranked team. For the game, Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 196 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Texas finished with 336 total yards, split between 196 passing and 140 rushing, managing an impressive 25 first downs in their gritty effort. Sayin played well, sure, but Manning’s unbelievable come-from-behind effort completely overshadowed him.
This win is massive for the Longhorns, setting them up for a legitimate chance to claim the No. 1 spot in the AP poll when it drops on Monday. Texas now heads into Week 3 riding high, ready to take on UTSA. For Ohio State, it’s a tough pill to swallow, and they’ll need to regroup quickly as they return home to face Kent State. What a wild finish, and what a statement from Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply