Down 20 points in the fourth quarter, the Texas Longhorns rallied to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on September 12 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin. The Longhorns erased a 23-3 deficit with 21 unanswered points, stunning the top-ranked Buckeyes in a comeback that revived quarterback Arch Manning’s Heisman Trophy hopes.
Manning, who had struggled earlier in the game, led the charge downfield as Texas’ offense found new life in the final quarter. The Longhorns’ running game, which had been quiet for much of the contest, also returned to form, creating crucial momentum shifts. The victory marked a significant moment for the Texas program, which had fallen behind early and faced a daunting task against the nation’s top team.
The atmosphere in Austin was electric, with fans and even some celebrities witnessing the turnaround firsthand. Manning celebrated with supporters after the final whistle, a snapshot captured by Ricardo B. Brazziell of the Austin American-Statesman that captured the emotion of the evening.
The game’s narrative swung dramatically in the last 15 minutes. Ohio State had dominated the first three quarters, holding a 23-3 lead. But Texas refused to fold, mounting a persistent comeback that culminated in a final scoreline that left the Buckeyes stunned. The Longhorns’ defense tightened up late, shutting down Ohio State’s scoring chances while the offense methodically erased the deficit.
This result shakes up the college football landscape early in the season. Texas’ win over the No. 1 team in the country raises questions about Ohio State’s invincibility and injects fresh energy into the Longhorns’ season outlook.
The Austin American-Statesman invited fans to share their favorite college football comeback memories, highlighting how this game will join the list of memorable rallies. Meanwhile, Arch Manning’s performance reignited discussion about his potential candidacy for college football’s top individual honor.
Texas’ triumph over Ohio State on September 12 stands as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in football, especially when a team refuses to quit. The Longhorns’ 21-point run in the fourth quarter sealed a victory that will resonate in Austin for weeks to come.
According to Yahoo Sports.