Saturday’s matchup between Ohio State and Texas carried high stakes, with many anticipating a significant setback for the losing team’s national championship prospects. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, it seemed Texas was on the verge of defeat. However, the Longhorns mounted an extraordinary comeback, overcoming a 20-point deficit with three touchdowns in the final quarter. This stunning victory sent Ohio State home with a disappointing upset and provided quarterback Arch Manning his redemption following last season’s 14-7 opening game loss to the Buckeyes.
Manning expressed his pride in the team’s performance across all facets of the game. ‘I’m just so proud of our guys in all three phases,’ he stated. ‘It wasn’t very pretty, but we found a way to win. That’s what good teams do. We’ve got a bunch of good players. Lot of leaders. It’s going to be a fun night. I had nightmares about that game last year. So, we finally got a good win tonight. Gonna have a good night in Austin.’
The win added a significant achievement to the resumes of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and Manning. It also positioned Texas as a legitimate contender for the national championship. Within 24 hours of the victory, Texas’s odds for winning the national title surged from 11% to 17%, according to Polymarket. Interestingly, Ohio State’s odds increased from 12% to 14%, tying with Notre Dame for the second-best odds nationally.
Beyond improved championship odds, Texas also saw gains in the rankings. The Longhorns ascended to No. 1 in both the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. They also climbed to No. 2 in ESPN’s FPI Top 25 Rankings.
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