Smothers, Manning lead Texas past Ohio State 24-23 in Austin

Fourth-Quarter Surge Decides Close Contest

Hollywood Smothers provided the decisive momentum when he crossed the goal line twice in the final period, helping the No. 4 Texas Longhorns defeat the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-23 on Saturday. The home team erased a 20-point deficit to secure the win at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, finishing their season record at 2-0 while Ohio State falls to 1-1.

The game featured a dramatic swing in the fourth quarter. Texas trailed 23-3 entering the final stanza after Connor Hawkins kicked a 48-yard field goal in the third period to extend the Buckeyes' lead. However, the Longhorns responded with 21 unanswered points to take the lead with just moments remaining.

Scoring Sequence and Key Plays

Ohio State controlled the first half, building a 20-3 lead. Connor Hawkins opened the scoring with a 26-yard field goal in the first quarter. Ja'Kobi Jackson added an 8-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 30-yard field goal by Hawkins in the second quarter. Jeremiah Smith connected with Julian Sayin on a 19-yard pass for a touchdown before the half.

Texas answered with a 37-yard field goal from Gianni Spetic in the second quarter, but the Buckeyes maintained their advantage. The tide turned in the fourth quarter when Arch Manning found Ryan Wingo for a 3-yard touchdown pass. Smothers then ran for a 1-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 23-17.

With the game on the line, Smothers scored his second touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run, giving Texas the 24-23 lead. The final play of the game was not scored, securing the victory for the Longhorns.

Statistical Performance

Arch Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Hollywood Smothers rushed for 74 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. Emmett Mosley V contributed 65 receiving yards on five catches.

For Ohio State, Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards on 17 of 32 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Bo Jackson rushed for 74 yards on 19 carries. Jeremiah Smith was the primary target, catching eight passes for 164 yards and one touchdown. The attendance was 105,044.

Sources

ESPN