Texas’ Dreams Shattered By Ohio State In Arlington Showdown

Ohio

In the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Texas Longhorns lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes 28–14 on Friday night, capping off an incredible 2024 season. 

Texas fought hard against one of the most complete teams in the country, but their destiny was sealed by late-game errors and a lack of offensive rhythm. The Longhorns have lost in the semifinals of the CFP for the second straight year, leaving supporters to wonder what might have been.

With victories against rivals like Oklahoma and Clemson as well as an exciting overtime triumph over Arizona State in the CFP quarterfinals, Texas football ends the season with an incredible 13-3 record. 

But Friday’s game was a story of lost chances and careless mistakes that kept the Longhorns from achieving their ultimate objective: a chance to win the national title. Ohio State, at 13-2, adds another chapter to their legendary program as they move on to the championship game to play Notre Dame.

The defeat serves as a reminder for Texas of the program’s accomplishments under head coach Steve Sarkisian as well as the difficulties still facing it. For a large portion of the evening, the Longhorns were kept in the game by the defense, which had been a formidable force throughout the season. 

But against a top-tier opponent like Ohio State, crucial mistakes—most notably a costly fumble that was recovered for a touchdown—proved to be too much to overcome.

Despite the season’s disappointing conclusion, Texas football has a bright future. The Longhorns have made a comeback as a national contender, and Austin is feeling more upbeat now that the much-anticipated Arch Manning era is about to start. The loss hurts, but it’s a step closer to Texas returning to the top of college football.

Texas vs Ohio State

Game Recap: Texas Football Loses to Ohio State in the CFP Semifinal

Ohio State showcased their offensive prowess to start the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at AT&T Stadium. Quinshon Judkins had a 9-yard touchdown run to cap off the Buckeyes’ dominating 10-play, 64-yard drive to start the game. Will Howard skillfully led the drive, demonstrating the balance that makes Ohio State a potential CFP candidate.

The Texas defense swiftly recovered from this early setback. A solid defensive response that held the Buckeyes in check for the majority of the first half was highlighted by linebacker David Gbenda’s interception and a sack by Anthony Hill and Barryn Sorrell.

The Longhorns were within striking distance after Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers connected Jaydon Blue for a 19-yard score shortly before halftime. Blue, a key player in the passing game, used a skillfully executed wheel route to take advantage of Ohio State’s defense. 

Given that the defense had held Ohio State to only 97 yards on their next four drives following the first score, the score provided Texas confidence and momentum going into the locker room.

Texas fought hard in the second half but faltered on crucial third-down plays, which continued their season-long habit of ineffectiveness under duress. With a demanding 13-play, 88-yard march that culminated in Judkins’ second score, Ohio State produced a statement drive that increased the advantage to 21–14. 

Despite their best efforts, the Longhorns’ defense was unable to stop the Buckeye ground attack in this crucial series, which put increasing pressure on the offense to react.

Late in the fourth quarter was the pivotal moment in the game. Jack Sawyer sacked Ewers as he was facing fourth down close to the Ohio State end zone. Sawyer forced a fumble and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown that ended the game. 

The crucial mistake, which caused the Longhorns to lose 28–14, represented Texas’ difficulties in high-pressure situations. Texas ended their season on a melancholy note after being undone by squandered opportunities and careless errors, despite their tenacity and defensive grit.

Important Turning Points in Texas' Ohio State Loss

Quintrevion Wisner’s botched toss play was the first of several crucial moments that determined Texas’s and Ohio State’s fate in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. A seven-yard loss resulted from the high-risk call that went horribly wrong with the Longhorns only a yard from the touchdown zone. 

Texas’ momentum was broken by this crucial loss, which put them in a challenging third-and-goal scenario. In a game against a team as disciplined as Ohio State, where every score counted, the wasted opportunity loomed enormous.

Jack Sawyer, the defensive end for Ohio State, made a play late in the fourth quarter that may have been the game-changing moment. Sawyer sacked Quinn Ewers, forced a turnover, and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown on a pivotal fourth down close to the Buckeyes’ goal line. 

The play turned a possible Texas scoring opportunity into a devastating 14-point swing, permanently shifting the momentum in Ohio State’s favor. This was a backbreaker for a Longhorns squad that was already having trouble scoring on important opportunities.

Ohio State’s deliberate 13-play, 88-yard drive earlier in the fourth quarter was equally pivotal. The Buckeyes marched down the field with accuracy under the leadership of quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins. Judkins’ one-yard plunge ended the possession.

Texas had little margin for mistake as the drive consumed almost eight minutes of game time and increased Ohio State’s lead to 21–14. The Buckeyes’ well-rounded offensive strategy and capacity for performance under duress were on full display during the statement drive.

These significant turning events highlighted how the two sides differed that evening. Even though Texas displayed moments of genius, Ohio State was able to take control due to crucial mistakes and poor play during stressful situations.

The ability to take advantage of opportunities is frequently what divides victors from losers in a game this size, and the Longhorns’ mistakes proved to be too costly against a Buckeyes team that was playing at its best.

Texas’s failure to develop a reliable rushing attack was one of their most obvious problems in their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Ohio State. In sharp contrast to their typical offensive balance, the Longhorns only managed 44 rushing yards at the end. 

Texas’ offensive line was unable to generate the push required for extended drives, and running backs found it difficult to find space against a formidable Buckeye defensive front. 

The Longhorns found it challenging to sustain offensive rhythm as a result of their ground-based inefficiency, which also increased the strain on quarterback Quinn Ewers to lead the attack through the air.

Another major problem for Texas during the game was their difficulties on third downs. The Longhorns’ ability to maintain momentum and keep drives going was hampered by the fact that they only completed one of their first eight third-down attempts. 

The inability to convert on third down became a persistent problem, regardless of whether it was due to subpar passing game play or an inability to consistently gain yardage on early downs. These lost chances prevented the Longhorns’ offense from settling into a rhythm against a team as good as Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes’ defense the upper hand.

Additionally, Texas remained concerned about special teams. Despite Bert Auburn’s consistency throughout the season, the Longhorns’ kicking game faltered at key times. 

Particularly when the fate of the game was at stake, the inconsistent kickoffs, extra points, and field goals added to the anxiety. Texas may have benefited from special teams plays, but their persistent problems in this area of the game made their problems worse overall.

Texas’ failure to take advantage of red zone opportunities turned out to be a deciding factor. The Longhorns had several chances to knock on Ohio State’s door, but they failed when it counted most. Missed opportunities in the red zone were exemplified by a failed toss play to Quintrevion Wisner and the subsequent sack and fumble. 

These mistakes allowed Ohio State to maintain their lead and prevented the Longhorns from seizing the initiative. Making the most of red zone opportunities is crucial in a game like this, and Texas failed to do so, which led to their 28-14 defeat.

Quinn Ewers stated that he does not anticipate playing collegiate football again after the devastating defeat to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal. 

In a postgame interview, Ewers, a three-year starter for the Texas Longhorns, stated that he intends to put the college game behind him and focus on his future. Although his collegiate career came to an end with this decision, it also signals a new era for Texas football and Ewers.

Ewers’ leadership, tenacity, and crucial contribution to restoring the program to national prominence will be remembered as part of his legacy at Texas. Ewers assisted in guiding the Longhorns from a state of insecurity to CFP contention while he was at Texas.

As the team’s starting quarterback, Ewers had a crucial role in several significant wins, such as the one against Arizona State in the quarterfinals and during the regular season. He was a standout quarterback in college football because of his arm strength, defensive reading skills, and composure under duress.

But now that Ewers has moved on, the Longhorns must deal with the difficulty of embracing a new era. The 2025 season is anticipated to see Arch Manning, the highly regarded recruit and backup quarterback, take over as the primary quarterback.

Since the freshman has long been viewed as the Longhorns’ offensive future, Manning’s arrival instills fresh optimism and excitement in the Texas program. Many believe that Manning is the key to guiding the team back to the national championship, and with him at the helm, Texas is ready to resume its quest for greatness.

Even if Quinn Ewers’ departure signifies the end of an era, the Longhorns have a strong foundation for the future thanks to his time at Texas. His legacy will serve as a standard for Arch Manning and the upcoming Texas quarterback class, and his services to the program will be remembered.

The move to Manning will be the next thrilling chapter in Texas football history as the Longhorns aim to build on the success that Ewers helped rekindle.

Despite some noteworthy highs and difficult lows, Texas football’s 2024 season was a positive stride for the program as a whole. Notable triumphs over Clemson, Oklahoma, and Michigan were among the highlights. These victories demonstrated the Longhorns’ capacity to contend with some of the top collegiate football teams. 

Particularly noteworthy was Texas’ triumph over Michigan, which served as a declaration victory and strengthened the program’s resurgence in national prominence. Texas also established themselves as a serious contender for the national championship with two spectacular College Football Playoff wins, including an exciting overtime victory over Arizona State.

But there were some hiccups over the season. Texas played poorly in both of their defeats to Georgia, especially in the SEC title Game, where they lost an overtime chance that would have guaranteed them a trip to the national title. 

The Longhorns’ need to address important areas of growth was further highlighted by their CFP semifinal loss to Ohio State. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to overcome crucial errors in the closing seconds, such as lost red zone opportunities and difficulties on third downs.

The run game and special teams were two other areas where Texas struggled during the season. The Longhorns’ inability to mount a strong ground attack due to inconsistent rushing efforts hampered the overall flow of the offense.

At the meantime, problems with special teams continued, causing uncertainty at pivotal moments. These difficulties were a major barrier to the team’s success, whether it was a missed field goal, an expensive blunder, or an inability to take advantage of field position.

Texas has improved this season despite the challenges, as seen by their 13-3 record and deep run in the College Football Playoffs. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns showed tenacity and development, and their performance suggested that they are in a strong position to succeed in the future. 

Although it was unfortunate not to win the national championship, the team’s accomplishments set the stage for a greater drive in the upcoming seasons, particularly with Arch Manning anticipated to take over as program leader.

Texas Football

Quinn Ewers, Jaydon Blue, and other draft-bound players are among the major departures that Texas’ program will have to deal with as it prepares for the 2025 campaign. Although Ewers, the team’s leader for the previous three seasons, leaves a history of development and success, his departure leaves a leadership gap at quarterback. 

As he advances, Jaydon Blue, a talented running back, will also be missed. With freshman Arch Manning taking over as the anticipated starting quarterback for 2025, their departures signal the end of one era and the start of a new one. The Manning era is full of excitement and anticipation, but it also makes it difficult for the up-and-coming star to take center stage at once.

Texas will need to improve in a few key areas if they want to go far in the College Football Playoffs again. The Longhorns must develop a more reliable rushing assault, after they struggled with it during the 2024 campaign. Despite having outstanding backs, Texas found it difficult to consistently establish headway against elite defenses. 

For the rushing game to remain dominant in 2025, it will be crucial to build a more formidable offensive line and improve blocking methods. Consistency in special teams is also still a crucial area of attention. Last season, the team’s kicking game had its ups and downs. With important games coming up, strong special teams play will be essential to preventing costly errors in close games.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff will also prioritize adding depth on the offensive line. Manning will be better protected and the backs will have more rushing lanes with a deeper and more powerful offensive line. 

Texas has displayed moments of genius in the trenches, but the line needs to gain more strength if it wants to contend with the best SEC defenses. Texas will need a deep, well-rounded offensive line to meet its objectives in 2025.

Given the presence of SEC powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU in 2025, Texas’ schedule looks challenging. As the Longhorns enter the SEC, they will be up against tough opposition, and these games will serve as a real gauge of the program’s current state.

The 2017 season will present a significant challenge in demonstrating that Texas is prepared to compete with the collegiate football powerhouses, despite the team’s impressive progress under Sarkisian. In the Longhorns’ quest for a national championship, the 2025 season looks to be a thrilling and significant year.

Texas football has made a strong comeback as a national contender following consecutive College Football Playoff berths. The Longhorns’ 13-3 record and their deep playoff run demonstrated notable growth, despite the season ending in disappointment with a loss to Ohio State in the CFP semifinals. 

The program has regained its popularity and is now a formidable force in collegiate football under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Another indication of the program’s orientation is the fact that Texas is continuously competing at the highest level.

Even if the defeat against Ohio State was difficult to accept, it does not overshadow the season’s greater accomplishments. By fostering a spirit of competition and enhancing the team’s overall skill, Sarkisian has been able to bring the program back to life.

As a result of overcoming challenges, Texas has become stronger. The Longhorns are well-positioned to build on their success and continue to grow into an even more formidable club in 2025, especially with Arch Manning expected to take over at quarterback and a slew of fresh talent on both sides of the field.

There is great hope for Texas football’s future. They will be up against some of the hardest competition in the country when the program moves into the SEC, but the Longhorns need this in order to advance.

The offensive line, special teams, and rushing game all need to improve, but the groundwork for long-term success is already in place. Texas has the coaching, talent, and momentum to compete with the best, and the Longhorns will undoubtedly be eager to establish themselves nationally as the 2025 season draws near.

Steve Sarkisian has Texas football headed in the right direction. The 2025 season is expected to be one of Texas’ most entertaining yet because of the incoming talent and the Longhorns’ demonstrated tenacity, skill, and resolve in previous seasons.

Even while winning a national title is still a long way off, the team’s recent success suggests that it might not be long until Texas returns to the top of collegiate football.

Conclusion:

We are grateful to all of the Texas football supporters who have cheered the Longhorns on during the 2024 campaign. Despite a disappointing season-ending loss to Ohio State, there is no denying this team’s growth under Steve Sarkisian. Texas has become a national competitor once more, and things appear to be going quite well. 

Your opinions on the game and the season would be greatly appreciated. Which moments stood out to you the most, and what do you aspire to achieve in the 2025 season? Let us know what you think to help us preserve the Longhorns’ spirit!

There is a tangible sense of excitement as we anticipate a new era in Texas football. The Longhorns are positioned for success with Arch Manning taking over at quarterback and a quality group eager to advance. As we prepare for what seems to be a great 2025 season, let’s remain upbeat and encouraging. Hook ’em Horns!

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