Texas football’s aspirations of capturing a national championship were dashed when they lost to Ohio State 28–14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

The Texas Longhorns entered the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals with aspirations of returning to national prominence. With a roster full of talent, a head coach known for developing offensive systems, and a fan base hungry for success, this was the year that many believed Texas could finally capture its first national title since 2005. However, their hopes were dashed in a 28-14 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes — a team that, despite their own flaws, proved to be a more polished, poised, and battle-tested squad.

For Texas, the defeat in the CFP quarterfinals not only ended their national title hopes but also raised significant questions about their ability to perform on the biggest stage. While the Longhorns have been impressive at times during the regular season, their loss to Ohio State was a stark reminder that they are still a few steps behind the nation’s elite programs when it comes to consistency, execution, and clutch performance.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the game’s key moments, analyze what went wrong for Texas, and explore what the future holds for this talented but still-maturing program.

Setting the Stage: A Season of Promise and Pressure

Heading into the 2024 season, the Texas Longhorns were considered one of the top contenders for the national championship. With head coach Steve Sarkisian in his fourth year at the helm, expectations were sky-high. Texas had recruited well, assembled a roster brimming with talent, and built a high-powered offense led by sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Ewers, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, was expected to take the next step in 2024, becoming the leader of an offense that featured the dynamic running back Bijan Robinson and a receiving corps led by the explosive Xavier Worthy. On defense, the Longhorns had a mix of veteran players like linebacker Jaylan Ford and young talent who were expected to make a big impact.

The road to the CFP seemed achievable for Texas, and they cruised through most of the regular season with only one blemish on their record — a tough loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Despite the setback, Texas rebounded impressively and earned a spot in the Playoff, a place where they hadn’t been since the 2009 season. Fans and analysts alike began to talk about the possibility of Texas returning to the national stage, with many predicting a potential showdown with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State.

However, Texas’ journey to a national title would end abruptly in the quarterfinals against Ohio State — a team that had its own lofty aspirations but was viewed by many as less complete than the Longhorns. The Buckeyes entered the game as the higher seed but had shown vulnerabilities throughout the season, including a narrow loss to Michigan and struggles in the Big Ten Championship.

First Half: Texas’ Slow Start and Missed Opportunities

The first half of the game set the tone for Texas’ disappointing performance. After a promising opening drive, Texas’ offense seemed to stall, unable to capitalize on their early momentum. On their second possession, Quinn Ewers threw an ill-advised interception to Ohio State’s star cornerback, which gave the Buckeyes excellent field position. Ohio State made the most of the turnover, capitalizing with a short touchdown run by running back TreVeyon Henderson to take a 7-0 lead.

Ewers, who had been excellent throughout the season, seemed rattled early. He overthrew a few passes, missed open receivers, and appeared to be forcing throws into tight windows. The Longhorns’ offensive line, which had been solid all season, also struggled to protect Ewers against Ohio State’s potent defensive front. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by All-American pass rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, consistently pressured Ewers and disrupted the rhythm of the Texas passing game.

In contrast, Ohio State’s offense executed with poise. Quarterback Kyle McCord, while not as flashy as some of the other quarterbacks in the Playoff, demonstrated excellent decision-making and precision passing. He connected with star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on multiple key plays, and the Buckeyes’ running game, led by Henderson, kept Texas’ defense off balance. On their next possession, Ohio State extended their lead to 14-0 with another touchdown, this time a 12-yard pass to tight end Cade Stover.

Texas was not without its moments. After going down by two scores, the Longhorns responded with a solid drive, mixing the run and pass effectively. Quinn Ewers finally connected with Xavier Worthy for a 33-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7. However, despite the momentum swing, Texas’ inability to execute in the red zone and to get off the field on defense was beginning to show.

Ohio State’s ability to execute in critical moments was evident when they answered back with a methodical, time-consuming drive to end the first half. McCord led the Buckeyes down the field with precision passing and smart decision-making, and Henderson capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run. With Ohio State up 21-7 at halftime, it was clear that the Longhorns had an uphill battle ahead of them.

Second Half: Texas’ Inability to Respond

The second half began with Texas needing to make adjustments on both sides of the ball to stay in the game. However, they could not overcome Ohio State’s well-rounded and balanced approach. The Longhorns’ defense struggled to contain Ohio State’s big-play ability, while the offense continued to stall when it mattered most.

Quinn Ewers’ struggles persisted in the second half, as he seemed to lose confidence in his throws. Several drives resulted in stalled possessions, with missed opportunities on third downs and incompletions in key situations. The offensive line, which had been vulnerable in the first half, continued to give up pressure, and Ewers was forced into several rushed throws.

Texas’ defense, meanwhile, showed flashes of potential but was unable to stop Ohio State’s balanced attack. The Buckeyes mixed up their playcalling, incorporating both a solid passing attack and a strong running game that kept the Longhorns on their heels. Despite forcing a few third-and-longs, the Texas defense couldn’t seem to get off the field. McCord remained calm and poised, completing crucial passes to keep the chains moving. Henderson, too, continued to gash Texas’ defense, picking up yards in chunks whenever Ohio State needed them.

The Longhorns did manage to get a quick touchdown early in the fourth quarter, as Ewers connected with Worthy for a 45-yard strike to cut the lead to 28-14. The touchdown gave Texas a glimmer of hope, but the Buckeyes responded with a grinding, clock-eating drive that took up valuable minutes and drained Texas’ energy.

By the time Texas got the ball back with less than four minutes left in the game, Ohio State had already bled most of the clock. The Longhorns, needing to score quickly, couldn’t find a rhythm and failed to put together a meaningful drive. Ohio State’s defense stepped up when it mattered, getting crucial stops on third downs and forcing Texas to turn the ball over on downs.

What Went Wrong for Texas?

1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play: Quinn Ewers, who had been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country during the regular season, struggled to find his rhythm in the biggest game of his career. While he showed glimpses of his talent, his decision-making was erratic, and his inability to make key throws in critical moments doomed Texas’ offense. Whether it was the pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line or simply a case of the big stage getting to him, Ewers failed to take control of the game.
2. Lack of Offensive Balance: Texas was unable to establish a consistent running game, with Bijan Robinson held to just 66 rushing yards on 19 carries. Ohio State’s defense did an excellent job of limiting Robinson’s effectiveness, and without the threat of the run, the Longhorns were forced into predictable passing situations. The offensive line’s struggles against Ohio State’s pass rush only exacerbated this issue, preventing Texas from finding any rhythm.
3. Missed Opportunities: In critical moments, Texas was unable to capitalize on key opportunities. Whether it was Ewers’ interception, failed third-down conversions, or inability to finish drives in the red zone, the Longhorns left too many points on the board. Against a team as talented and disciplined as Ohio State, those missed chances proved to be costly.
4. Ohio State’s Poise and Execution: On the flip side, Ohio State played a nearly flawless game. McCord was calm and collected, distributing the ball efficiently to his playmakers. Henderson was a consistent threat on the ground, and the Buckeyes’ defense played physical, smart football. They responded to every challenge Texas presented, maintaining control of the game from start to finish.

What’s Next for Texas?

While the loss to Ohio State marks another disappointing chapter in Texas’ pursuit of a national championship, the Longhorns are far from a finished product. They have a talented roster, a strong recruiting pipeline, and a coaching staff capable of getting them to the next level. However, the 2024 CFP loss was a stark reminder that Texas is not yet at the same level as the elite programs in college football. If the Longhorns want to make the leap from a playoff contender to a national champion, they will need to address their inconsistencies, particularly at quarterback and on the offensive line.

Looking ahead to 2025, Texas has the talent to compete for a national title, but they will need to show more mental toughness and precision when it matters most. The future remains bright, but the road to a championship will require growth, adjustments, and overcoming the pressure that comes with being a program with such high expectations. Texas must continue to build, learn from this loss, and aim to return stronger in the years to come.