Texas just pulled off its largest come-from-behind victory since 2007, snatching a 24-23 win from No. 1 Ohio State after being down a staggering 23-3 midway through the third quarter. This wasn’t just any game, either. It was a Week 1 rematch against the Buckeyes, who absolutely shut them down last year in a 14-7 loss that derailed Texas’ whole season. You know everyone was watching Arch Manning to see how he’d handle the pressure after struggling against that defense before. Well, he certainly delivered a thriller.
From Zero to Hero: Manning’s Turnaround Against the Buckeyes
Last year was rough for Manning against Ohio State, throwing for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 17-of-30 passing, plus 38 rushing yards. He even took a sack in that 14-7 defeat. Fast forward to Saturday night, and for much of the game, it felt like déjà vu. He was wildly inconsistent, missing and overthrowing receivers. At one point in the third quarter, ESPN’s Rece Davis even called out that Manning was 0-for-6 on passes deeper than 15 yards. Ohio State’s defense, even after losing NFL talent like linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safeties Caleb Downs and Lorenzo Styles, and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, was looking dominant for three quarters. But then, the switch flipped.
The Fourth-Quarter Magic That Nobody Saw Coming
Manning found his rhythm late in the third and early fourth quarter. He jump-started a drive with a couple of crucial rushes for 10 and eight yards. Then, he marched the Longhorns down to Ohio State’s three-yard line, connecting with Wingo in the end zone to make it a two-score game. Texas’ defense stepped up, forcing a quick three-and-out. That gave Manning the ball back, and he orchestrated a brilliant 13-play, 72-yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to 23-17. After Ohio State missed a field goal, Manning got possession again with just 4:10 left. He hit Emmett Moseley on back-to-back throws for 17 and four yards, with perhaps the biggest strike being another 17-yard connection to Moseley, getting Texas to the one-yard line. Smothers punched it in for the game-winning one-yard score. Manning finished the game 23-of-37 for 196 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with 22 rushing yards and two sacks. He got the win, and that’s what truly mattered this time around.
This comeback isn’t just a win, it’s a massive statement for Manning and for Texas. It wipes out last year’s disaster and shows a whole new level of clutch from their QB. What this means for his NFL future? It definitely makes a lot of scouts sit up and take notice. After this performance, you just know everyone’s gonna be watching every snap moving forward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply