On Saturday night in Austin, Texas, the Longhorns delivered a statement victory that could signal a resurgence for the program. After trailing Ohio State 23‑3 early in the third quarter, Texas rallied with a relentless fourth‑quarter surge to win 31‑30, snapping a long streak of disappointing finishes.
Early dominance by Ohio State
The Buckeyes entered the game as the nation’s No. 1 team and built a comfortable lead, holding Texas to just 97 yards of offense in the first half. A fumble on Texas’ opening drive set the tone, and Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith repeatedly beat the Longhorn secondary, extending the lead to 20‑3 at halftime.
Longhorns’ comeback begins
Quarterback Arch Manning, who had struggled through the first three quarters, found his rhythm late in the third period. A key 48‑yard catch by Smith was answered moments later by a Manning scramble that sparked the Longhorn offense. Texas scored three unanswered touchdowns, narrowing the gap to 23‑17.
Defensive adjustments forced Ohio State into three‑and‑out series, giving Texas additional possessions. A crucial fourth‑quarter field goal tied the game, and a decisive touchdown drive in the final minutes put Texas ahead for the first time.
Coach Sarkisian’s message
After the win, head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team’s perseverance. “This team can overcome adversity, and we’ll face more challenges ahead,” he said. “Hopefully this serves as a lesson that we can come back from a lot.” The victory marks Sarkisian’s first major triumph at home and could be a turning point for a program long yearning for stability.
Fan and community reaction
The stadium erupted as Manning celebrated with the student section, donning a cowboy hat and leading a chant that echoed across the field. Parents captured the moment with their children, and even Senator Ted Cruz appeared on the field to join the celebration, underscoring the deep community pride tied to Texas football.
Longhorn alumni and local businesses gathered after the game, highlighting the economic boost that a successful football season can bring to Austin’s downtown area.
What’s next for Texas?
With the win, Texas improves its standing in the national rankings and positions itself for a potential College Football Playoff conversation later in the season. The Longhorns now look to build on this momentum against upcoming conference opponents, hoping to sustain the belief that they are indeed “back.”
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
