Overview
- The Longhorns, which rallied from a 23-3 deficit on Sept. 12, beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 after Steve Sarkisian elected to go for it on 4th-and-9 from Texas’ own 42 and converted to keep the game-winning drive alive.
- Sarkisian defended the call with a blunt line about winners and losers and then urged poll voters and the College Football Playoff selection committee not to harshly penalize Ohio State for the close loss in Austin.
- Media and commentators broadly praised Sarkisian’s aggressive decision while also scrutinizing Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s in-game choices that preceded the comeback.
- Analysts have pushed back on Sarkisian’s claim that Texas wasn’t rewarded last season for playing at Ohio State, with critics such as Chris Vannini citing Texas’ top-10 standing late last year and final placement as evidence it did receive credit.
- The immediate playoff impact is unclear because a single early loss rarely ruins a CFP resume, but the result reshapes early-season narratives and could matter for seeding if Ohio State or Texas sustain more setbacks this fall.