After a thrilling but ultimately disappointing College Football Playoff semifinal, the Texas Longhorns fell to Ohio State 28-14 at AT&T Stadium on Friday. Texas, which had narrowly prevailed in the quarterfinals against Arizona State, ended its season with a record of 13-3. Meanwhile, Ohio State improved to 13-2 and advanced to the national championship game.
The Longhorns made a strong effort, managing to tie the game at 14 after a back-and-forth battle. However, a critical late turnover, an 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, proved too significant to overcome. Texas had advanced to the Ohio State end zone only to see a setback on a failed play, dashing hopes for a comeback.
Texas held its ground against a favored Buckeyes team, successfully stifling their high-powered offense for much of the game. The Longhorns’ defense, having faced strong competition throughout the season, held Ohio State to just 207 yards of total offense, excluding a damaging 75-yard screen pass.
Moving forward, it appears that the Longhorns will enter a new era as sophomore quarterback Arch Manning is expected to take over the starting role next season. Reflecting on the game, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers hinted that he does not anticipate returning for another college season, further paving the way for Manning’s rise.
Despite the loss, Texas displayed significant resilience and potential. The team’s record for the season showcases their competitive spirit, and with a promising roster, including upcoming talent, there is hope for growth as they prepare for next season.
In summary, while the Longhorns faced disappointment against Ohio State, their strong performance and the impending transition to new leadership on the field suggest a bright future ahead for Texas football.