Details about Steve Sarkisian The goal-line collapse of the Texas Longhorns against Ohio State

The Texas Longhorns’ 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals loss to Ohio State was one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating moments in recent Texas football history. It wasn’t just the 28-14 final score that stung for Texas fans, but the way the game unfolded, particularly in the red zone and goal-line situations. In a contest where the Longhorns had an opportunity to make a statement and potentially advance to the CFP semifinals, the team’s inability to convert on critical goal-line opportunities stood as a glaring symbol of missed chances.

For Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, the loss was a painful reminder of how quickly the smallest of mistakes can snowball into a major setback in big games. His offense, which had been efficient throughout the season and had delivered some impressive performances, faltered in the moments that mattered most. From failed goal-line plays to questionable play-calling decisions, the collapse on the goal line became one of the defining moments of the game and, in many ways, encapsulated the frustrations that have plagued Sarkisian’s tenure in Austin.

This article will take a deep dive into the goal-line struggles that led to Texas’ loss, the key decisions made by Sarkisian during those crucial moments, and what this means for the future of the program. We will also explore the broader context of Texas football under Sarkisian, analyzing the growth of the program, the challenges the team has faced, and the potential road ahead for the Longhorns as they attempt to rebound from this crushing playoff exit.

Setting the Stage: The High Stakes of the CFP Quarterfinals

Heading into the 2024 College Football Playoff, Texas had high hopes of securing a national championship. After a 12-1 regular season, which included a thrilling win over rival Oklahoma and a convincing performance in the Big 12 Championship, the Longhorns had positioned themselves as one of the elite teams in college football. The team had looked formidable on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Quinn Ewers developing into a star and running back Bijan Robinson having an All-American season. The Longhorns’ defense, under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, had been solid all year, and Texas appeared to be peaking at just the right time.

However, standing in their way in the CFP quarterfinals was Ohio State — a program that had been a perennial powerhouse in college football under head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes entered the game as the higher-seeded team, and despite Texas’ strong season, Ohio State was the favorite to advance. Nevertheless, Texas was confident, and many believed that with their talent on both sides of the ball, they had a legitimate shot at knocking off the Buckeyes and advancing to the semifinals.

For most of the game, the Longhorns fought hard, keeping the contest close and competitive. But it was in the most critical of moments, when the game hung in the balance, that the Longhorns faltered — particularly in the red zone and goal-line situations.

The Goal-Line Struggles: Missed Opportunities

Texas’ struggles on the goal line were the defining moments of the game and the clearest example of how a few costly missteps can turn the tide of a highly competitive playoff game. In the first half, the Longhorns found themselves in the red zone on multiple occasions, only to come away empty-handed. The inability to punch the ball in for a touchdown on these crucial drives proved to be a major factor in their eventual loss.

One of the most significant missed opportunities came in the second quarter, when Texas was trailing Ohio State 14-7 and had a chance to tie the game. After a strong drive led by Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson, the Longhorns found themselves at the Ohio State 1-yard line. The stage was set for Texas to level the score and seize momentum. But what followed was a series of failed attempts to get into the end zone.

On first down, the Longhorns handed the ball off to Robinson, who was stuffed at the line of scrimmage by Ohio State’s defensive front. On second down, Sarkisian called for a play-action pass to the tight end, but the Buckeyes’ defense was prepared and broke up the pass. On third down, Texas attempted a run with Robinson again, only for him to be stopped just short of the goal line. Finally, on fourth down, Sarkisian opted for a quarterback sneak with Ewers, but Ohio State’s defensive line held firm once more, forcing a turnover on downs.

The failure to score from the 1-yard line was a crushing blow for Texas. The Longhorns had dominated much of the drive, and a touchdown would have tied the game and shifted the momentum. Instead, they came away with nothing, and Ohio State was able to take a commanding lead into halftime.

This goal-line failure was not an isolated incident. Later in the game, Texas had another chance to score after a long drive brought them to the Ohio State 3-yard line. Again, the Longhorns were faced with a critical short-yardage situation. On first down, Robinson was stopped for a 1-yard gain. On second down, Sarkisian dialed up another play-action pass, but it was batted down by an Ohio State defensive lineman. On third down, Ewers missed a throw to the end zone, and on fourth down, Sarkisian opted to attempt a run with Robinson — but once again, the Buckeyes’ defense stood tall, halting him just short of the goal line.

These failures were emblematic of a larger issue for Texas: despite having one of the most dynamic offensive units in college football, they struggled to execute in high-pressure, high-leverage situations. The inability to convert in the red zone and on the goal line against a talented defense like Ohio State’s ultimately cost them the game and their chance at a national championship.

Sarkisian’s Play Calling: A Critical Examination

Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s play calling during these critical goal-line situations has been the subject of intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the loss. Sarkisian is known for his innovative and aggressive offensive schemes, but in these moments, his decisions raised questions.

For one, Sarkisian’s reliance on the running game, particularly with Bijan Robinson, was understandable given Robinson’s skill set and ability to break tackles. However, it seemed that Texas’ offensive line — despite being one of the best in the country — struggled to create the push necessary to get the ball across the goal line in these situations. With Ohio State loading the box and stacking the line of scrimmage, Texas failed to generate the needed yardage on simple running plays.

Moreover, Sarkisian’s use of play-action passes on the goal line raised eyebrows. In both instances where the Longhorns failed to score, Sarkisian opted for a pass play after trying to run the ball on first and second down. While play-action can be effective in short-yardage situations, particularly when a team has a strong running back like Robinson, the Buckeyes were clearly ready for the play-action call. Ohio State’s defense read the plays well and put pressure on Quinn Ewers, forcing him into uncomfortable situations. Sarkisian’s inability to adjust and diversify his play calling in these high-pressure moments added to the frustration.

Sarkisian’s game management and decision-making have been a mixed bag throughout his tenure at Texas, and this game was no exception. The goal-line failures reflected a larger issue of consistency and execution when it mattered most. Texas had the talent, but on the biggest stage, the team couldn’t put it all together.

The Broader Picture: Texas Under Sarkisian

While the loss to Ohio State was a painful and frustrating moment for Texas fans, it wasn’t an anomaly in the context of Steve Sarkisian’s tenure as head coach. Since taking over the Longhorns in 2021, Sarkisian has faced a series of ups and downs. His first two seasons at the helm featured significant promise but also critical setbacks. Sarkisian had led the Longhorns to competitive performances but was often undone by inconsistency and failure to execute in key moments.

In 2024, Sarkisian had brought Texas to the brink of greatness. The team looked primed for a run at the national championship, and many believed that the Longhorns were ready to compete with the best teams in college football. However, the goal-line collapse against Ohio State was yet another example of how Texas has struggled to take the next step under Sarkisian.

While Sarkisian has been lauded for his offensive acumen and ability to develop talent, he still faces the challenge of instilling a mentality of consistency and toughness in critical moments. The goal-line failures against Ohio State were not just a reflection of poor execution, but also of a team still learning how to win at the highest level. As Texas moves forward, Sarkisian must address these issues, refine his play-calling in high-leverage situations, and ensure that his team is mentally prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.

The Future of Texas Football

Despite the painful loss, the future of Texas football under Sarkisian remains bright. The Longhorns have one of the most talented rosters in the country, with a quarterback in Quinn Ewers who has shown flashes of brilliance, a running back in Bijan Robinson who will be playing on Sundays, and a defense that is steadily improving under Pete Kwiatkowski.

However, Sarkisian must continue to build on this foundation, addressing the inconsistencies and growing pains that have plagued the program. The goal-line collapse against Ohio State was a tough lesson, but it’s one that could ultimately serve as a stepping stone for Sarkisian and his players. If the Longhorns can learn from their mistakes, improve their execution in critical situations, and build on their strengths, the program could be on the cusp of returning to national prominence.

For now, Texas fans will have to digest the bitter disappointment of this CFP exit, but with a talented roster and a head coach who has the potential to lead them to greatness, the Longhorns’ time may still be just around the corner.