Texas overturns 20-point deficit to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23

No. 4 Texas beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin on Saturday, September 12, overturning a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The result moved the Longhorns to 2-0 and left the Buckeyes at 1-1. Texas Athletics confirmed that all 21 of the home team's second-half points came in the final period.

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Arch Manning began the scoring surge with a three-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, according to the university's match report. Hollywood Smothers followed with a one-yard touchdown run with 7:14 remaining, bringing Texas within six points after the extra point. Ohio State had entered the quarter leading 23-3.

The Buckeyes still had an opportunity to extend that advantage. Associated Press reported that Connor Hawkins, who had already converted three field goals, missed a 45-yard attempt before Texas launched its winning possession. Smothers scored again from one yard with 25 seconds left. His touchdown levelled the score at 23-23, and Gianni Spetic's extra point put the Longhorns ahead.

Texas's scoring summary shows how much ground the offense covered during the comeback. Wingo's touchdown completed a 15-play, 91-yard possession. Smothers then finished a 13-play drive covering 72 yards, followed by the decisive 12-play, 73-yard march. Each of the three touchdown possessions therefore required at least a dozen plays, with Texas scoring through both the passing and running games.

The university's game center recorded a 25-19 advantage for Texas in first downs and 141 rushing yards against Ohio State's 94. The Longhorns converted nine of 16 third-down attempts and two of three on fourth down. Smothers finished with 74 rushing yards, matching Ohio State's Bo Jackson, while Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith led the listed receiving totals with 164 yards.

Texas Athletics said the rally matched the second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in program history and delivered its first victory over an AP No. 1 team since beating SMU in 1950. The Longhorns held Ohio State scoreless throughout the final quarter. Texas is scheduled to return to the same stadium to host UTSA on September 19.