Live updates for the College Football Playoff semifinals: Texas loses to Ohio State 28–14 in the Cotton Bowl to end the season.

Live Updates: Texas Falls to Ohio State 28-14 in Cotton Bowl, Ending Playoff Dreams

Final Score: Texas 14, Ohio State 28

The Texas Longhorns’ season came to a heartbreaking end in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals, as they fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl. Despite a valiant effort, Texas could not overcome Ohio State’s relentless offense and opportunistic defense, squandering a golden opportunity to reach the national championship. The loss marked the end of a promising season that had seen Texas return to national relevance, but ultimately, they were left with more questions than answers.

As fans file out of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Longhorn faithful are left to reflect on what was—and what could have been. Texas had fought their way through a challenging regular season, winning the Big 12 Championship and earning a spot in the CFP for the first time in several years. But against Ohio State, the Longhorns’ bid for glory fell short.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Cotton Bowl semifinal, the highs and lows, and the moments that defined Texas’ defeat.

First Quarter: Defensive Struggles

Texas Starts Strong, But Ohio State Responds Quickly

The game kicked off with a palpable sense of anticipation. Texas had been a surprise contender in the playoff, but with the explosive offense of Ohio State on the horizon, the Longhorns needed to set the tone early. Their defense came out swinging, with linebacker Jalen Ford making an immediate impact, stuffing a couple of early run plays and providing pressure on Ohio State’s quarterback, Kyle McCord. The crowd was behind the Longhorns, and the energy in the stadium was electric.

Texas wasted no time getting its offense involved, as quarterback Arch Manning led a promising opening drive. Manning, who had been nothing short of stellar in the regular season, looked poised to make an early statement. He completed a couple of crisp passes to his star wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, and running back Jonathon Brooks churned out a few solid gains on the ground. But the drive stalled when Ohio State’s defensive front, led by All-American defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, pressured Manning into an ill-timed sack. The Longhorns settled for a 47-yard field goal, which was barely missed by kicker Will Stone, keeping the score at 0-0.

Ohio State quickly capitalized on the missed opportunity. McCord connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on a quick strike for a 20-yard gain, and the Buckeyes’ ground game, led by TreVeyon Henderson, wore down the Texas defense. On the next play, McCord found tight end Cade Stover over the middle for a 32-yard touchdown, putting Ohio State up 7-0. The crowd, once roaring with excitement, was suddenly silenced.

Key Moment: Texas’ missed field goal at the beginning of the game proved to be a crucial missed opportunity that Ohio State would not let slip by.

Second Quarter: Texas’ Defense Bends, But Doesn’t Break

Texas Responds, But Ohio State Stays Ahead

After falling behind early, Texas’ offense was forced to respond. Arch Manning, who had shown flashes of brilliance all season, settled into a rhythm midway through the second quarter. Manning showed his ability to read the Ohio State defense, making quick decisions and keeping the Buckeyes’ pass rush at bay. A beautiful 30-yard pass to Xavier Worthy, who made a spectacular one-handed catch, set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Jonathon Brooks. The Longhorns had evened the score at 7-7, and for a moment, it seemed like the tide might turn in their favor.

However, Ohio State quickly regained control. McCord was masterful on the next series, threading a pinpoint pass to Harrison Jr. on a 40-yard gain. The Buckeyes mixed in some dynamic running plays and eventually capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run from Henderson. With the score now 14-7 in favor of Ohio State, the Longhorns’ defense was left searching for answers.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams exchange possessions, but neither side was able to capitalize on any further opportunities. Texas’ defense, led by Ford and standout cornerback Malik Muhammad, tightened up after Ohio State’s second touchdown, forcing a couple of punts. However, it was clear that the Buckeyes were the more efficient team in terms of play-calling and execution.

Key Moment: A 40-yard completion from McCord to Harrison Jr. helped Ohio State regain the lead, and they would never look back after taking control.

Third Quarter: Defensive Adjustments and Missed Opportunities

Texas Struggles to Find Consistency on Offense

The second half began with a sense of urgency for the Longhorns. Down by a touchdown, they needed to find a way to balance their offense and attack Ohio State’s defense more effectively. Manning, who had been pressured often in the first half, came out in the third quarter with a renewed sense of purpose. He moved the ball with efficiency, connecting with tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and running back Brooks on short, quick passes.

Yet, once again, the Ohio State defense stood strong when it mattered most. Manning’s key pass attempts to Worthy were met with tight coverage, and Ohio State’s secondary—led by cornerback Denzel Burke—was physical in shutting down the Texas passing game. A pivotal third-down conversion attempt on a long pass to Worthy was broken up by Burke, forcing Texas to punt. As a result, the Longhorns were unable to capitalize on a golden opportunity to tie the game.

Ohio State’s offense, on the other hand, kept clicking. McCord orchestrated a methodical drive, using a mix of passing and running to wear down the Texas defense. Henderson’s hard-nosed running allowed the Buckeyes to control the clock and keep the Texas offense off the field. The drive culminated in a 3-yard touchdown run from Henderson, extending Ohio State’s lead to 21-7.

Texas had no answers. The defense, though talented, was increasingly fatigued and unable to generate the pressure needed to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm. McCord’s quick release and accurate passing put the Longhorns on their heels, and as the third quarter came to a close, it was evident that the Buckeyes had taken command of the game.

Key Moment: The third-quarter touchdown run by Henderson seemed to drain the energy from Texas’ defense, and they struggled to recover.

Fourth Quarter: Texas Fights, But Falls Short

Late Surge Falls Short as Ohio State Holds On

With the clock winding down and the pressure mounting, Texas refused to go down without a fight. Manning, playing with poise beyond his years, led a gutsy drive early in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns moved the ball down the field with precision, executing a series of quick passes and runs. Manning found Sanders for a key 20-yard gain and then hit Brooks on a swing pass that set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 21-14.

For a brief moment, there was hope. The Texas defense, which had been gashed throughout the game, stepped up with a big stop, forcing Ohio State to punt the ball back to the offense with just under six minutes remaining. Manning had a chance to tie the game, and the Longhorns were poised for one final attempt at glory.

But Ohio State’s defense had other plans. On the very first play of the drive, Manning was pressured by Tuimoloau and threw an ill-advised pass into coverage. The ball was intercepted by Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom, who returned the ball to the Texas 30-yard line. The Buckeyes, smelling blood, quickly capitalized, running down the clock and setting up a game-clinching 4-yard touchdown pass from McCord to Stover. With just under two minutes left, Ohio State led 28-14, and the game was effectively over.

Texas had one final possession, but it was too little, too late. Manning was sacked again, and despite some late efforts, the Longhorns were unable to mount a comeback.

Key Moment: The interception by Lathan Ransom in the final minutes ended any hope of a Texas comeback, sealing Ohio State’s victory.

Postgame Analysis: A Season of Promise, But Still a Bitter Loss

Texas’ loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl semifinal was a tough pill to swallow for Longhorn fans who had hoped for more. The 2024 season had been a promising one, with Texas showing it was back in the conversation for national championships. But against a polished, well-coached Ohio State team, the Longhorns fell short at the biggest stage.

Arch Manning’s debut season was a bright spot, as he showcased incredible potential despite the loss. Jalen Ford’s leadership on defense was also a standout, but it was clear that Texas’ offense and defense struggled to match Ohio State’s execution in critical moments. The missed opportunities, from the opening missed field goal to the interception late in the game, would haunt the Longhorns in the coming months.

For Ohio State, it was a victory built on balance—offensive efficiency, defensive opportunism, and clutch plays when it mattered most. The Buckeyes earned their spot in the national championship, where they would look to finish what they started. But for Texas, it’s back to the drawing board, as they’ll look to build on this successful yet disappointing season in 2025.

Final Thought: Texas is close, but the Longhorns will need to find a way to take the next step if they are to truly compete for a national title.