Texas, Arch Manning Stage a Massive 21-Point Comeback to Stun No.1 Ohio State

Arch Manning exacts his revenge on Ohio State with a memorable win.


Texas, Arch Manning Stage a Massive 21-Point Comeback to Stun No.1 Ohio State

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates win over Ohio State (Image via IMAGO/X)

Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns pulled off a historic victory over the No. 1-ranked team in college football, the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes took the lead in the first quarter with a field goal, and running back Ja’Kobi Jackson extended it with an 8-yard rushing touchdown.

Texas opened their account in the second quarter with a field goal. But the Buckeyes’ kicker restored the gap with his second conversion of the night.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 19-yard TD score. The Buckeyes entered the halftime break with a 17-point lead.

The Buckeyes’ kicker added another three points to the total after the restart. Texas finally came alive in the fourth quarter. Arch Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a touchdown, then set up Daylan Hollywood Smothers for a one-yard score. Smothers found the back of the end zone once more with just 30 seconds left on the clock to tie the score. Gianni Spetic stepped up and dispatched a PAT to give Texas their first lead in the fixture.

In the final drive, Sayin threw an interception, which sealed a memorable come-from-behind victory for the Longhorns. The game ended 24-23. Cameras caught an ecstatic Manning signalling the iconic Horn to the fans at full time.

Fans react to Arch Manning and Texas defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes

Texas suffered a defeat the last time they played the Buckeyes. Manning completed a little over 50% of his passes, threw one touchdown, and threw the game-defining interception to hand the Buckeyes a 14-7 victory. It dented Manning’s reputation as an elite quarterback.

Texas, Arch Manning Stage a Massive 21-Point Comeback to Stun No.1 Ohio State
Arch Manning (Image via IMAGO)

Texas was out for revenge on Friday. Last week they put 59 past Texas State with Manning contributing 4 touchdowns and a turnover. Ohio State also won their first game of the year, taking down Ball State 56-3. Sayin had 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns, while Smith caught 8 for 151 yards and 2 scores.

The momentum carried over the Texas game. Smith scored his third TD of the year while Texas struggled. Ohio State dominated the first three quarters, but Texas had started to crawl back in the final moments of the third.

Steve Sarkisian ran the ball more, calling RPOs and designed runs for Manning. The 22-year-old signal caller ran four times with the ball in his hand. Manning opened the final quarter with a TD pass to Wingo and then set up Smothers for back-to-back rushing scores.

Manning finished with 23 completions for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Smothers rushed 21 times for 74 yards and two scores. Texas converted more first, third, and fourth downs while giving just two penalties all game.

I’m so proud of our guys in all three phases. It wasn’t very pretty but we found a way to win. That’s a good game, too.

Arch Manning said on the ABC telecast after the game

As for the Buckeyes, Sayin went 17 of 32 for 278 yards, one touchdown, and one INT. Smith caught 8 passes for 164 yards and scored a touchdown. The Buckeyes edged the Longhorns with 372 total yards, but Texas had 40+ yards more on the ground.

Texas plays UTSA in their next game while Ohio State hosts Kent State.

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