After battling back and forth for three quarters, the No. 6 Buckeyes defeated No. 3 Texas 28–14 by making plays on crucial downs.

No. 6 Buckeyes Defeat No. 3 Texas 28-14 in a Thrilling Showdown

In a game that showcased the intense competition between two of college football’s most storied programs, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the No. 3 Texas Longhorns with a 28-14 victory. This highly anticipated showdown, which had all the ingredients of a classic, lived up to the hype as both teams battled back and forth for three quarters, with Ohio State ultimately emerging victorious by making key plays on critical downs.

A Game of Momentum Shifts

From the opening kick, it was clear this game was going to be a physical and emotional rollercoaster. Both teams entered the contest with high expectations. Texas, with its explosive offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a powerful running game featuring Jonathon Brooks, sought to prove itself as the top team in the country. Meanwhile, Ohio State, under the direction of coach Ryan Day, was determined to validate its No. 6 ranking with a statement win.

The first quarter set the tone for what would be a tightly contested affair. Ohio State’s defense, which had struggled against the pass at times during the season, was on its heels early as Texas marched down the field. The Longhorns were able to establish a rhythm on their first drive, with Ewers connecting on several key throws to wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. Texas’ offense looked poised to make an early statement, but the Buckeyes’ defense stiffened in the red zone. On a crucial third-and-goal, Ohio State defensive back Denzel Burke broke up a pass intended for Worthy, forcing the Longhorns to settle for a field goal.

With the game tied at 3-3, Ohio State responded with a methodical drive of its own. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been under some scrutiny throughout the season, proved his worth by making several clutch throws. The Buckeyes’ running back room, led by Miyan Williams, added balance to the offense as the team moved the ball efficiently. On a key third-and-six from the Texas 24-yard line, McCord delivered a pinpoint pass to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who made a contested catch in the end zone to give Ohio State a 10-3 lead.

The second quarter saw more of the same back-and-forth action. Texas answered with an explosive drive of its own, aided by Brooks’ hard running and Ewers’ accuracy. The Longhorns converted a critical third-and-5, with Ewers hitting tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders for a 17-yard gain. With the ball deep in Buckeye territory, Texas was poised to tie the game, but Ohio State’s defense once again made a stand. On a key second-and-goal from the 6-yard line, the Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by J.T. Tuimoloau, collapsed the pocket, forcing Ewers to throw an errant pass that was intercepted by safety Lathan Ransom in the end zone. The turnover proved pivotal, as it not only stopped a potential touchdown but also shifted momentum in favor of Ohio State.

As the first half wound down, the Buckeyes took advantage of their newfound momentum, orchestrating a quick two-minute drill. McCord connected with Harrison again on a deep 40-yard pass, and the Buckeyes found themselves inside the Texas 10-yard line. With 10 seconds left on the clock, McCord kept his composure and found tight end Cade Stover for a 7-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State a 17-3 lead going into halftime.

Texas Fights Back in the Third Quarter

If anyone expected Texas to roll over after a rough end to the first half, they were sorely mistaken. The Longhorns came out in the third quarter with a renewed sense of urgency. Ewers, who had been rattled by the Buckeyes’ defense in the first half, was much more poised in the third quarter. Texas’ offensive line, which had struggled in the first half, began to assert itself, giving Ewers time to find his rhythm.

After receiving the ball to start the second half, the Longhorns went on a methodical 75-yard drive, taking nearly six minutes off the clock. The key play on this drive came on a third-and-4, when Ewers connected with Worthy on a slant route for a 14-yard gain. From there, Brooks pounded the ball inside the red zone, eventually punching it in from the 1-yard line to cut Ohio State’s lead to 17-10.

Ohio State, however, was not ready to relinquish its lead. On the ensuing possession, the Buckeyes leaned on their own ground game to chew up clock and maintain control. Williams and fellow back TreVeyon Henderson alternated between runs up the middle and off-tackle plays, moving the ball steadily down the field. On a crucial third-and-2 from the Texas 34-yard line, McCord showed great poise under pressure, delivering a perfect throw to Julian Fleming for a 25-yard gain. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run by Williams, extending Ohio State’s lead to 24-10.

With their backs against the wall, the Longhorns needed to answer quickly. Ewers did his best to lead a comeback, but Ohio State’s defense, particularly in the secondary, tightened up in critical moments. Texas had a chance to pull within a score late in the third quarter after a well-executed screen pass to Brooks set up a first-and-goal. However, the Buckeyes’ defense rose to the occasion once again. On a crucial third-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Ewers dropped back to pass but was quickly pressured by Tuimoloau, who sacked him for a 6-yard loss. Texas was forced to settle for a field goal, bringing the score to 24-13 as the third quarter expired.

Ohio State Closes the Door in the Fourth Quarter

Entering the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead, Ohio State knew it had to keep its foot on the gas to ensure the win. While Texas was still very much in the game, the Buckeyes’ defense had proved to be a thorn in the Longhorns’ side all night. McCord and the offense, having been successful on key third downs throughout the game, knew that they had to control the ball and keep the chains moving.

Ohio State opened the fourth quarter with an impressive drive that ate up valuable clock. The Buckeyes’ offensive line dominated in the trenches, allowing Williams to gain 30 yards on the ground over the course of the drive. With the ball nearing midfield, McCord faced a critical third-and-6 at the Texas 46-yard line. The young quarterback showed poise, finding Harrison for a crucial 12-yard gain to move the chains. The drive continued, and with less than four minutes remaining, McCord connected with Stover once again for a 6-yard touchdown, effectively sealing the victory with a 28-14 lead.

Texas had one final chance to make it interesting, but the Buckeyes’ defense stood tall. Ewers, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the game, was unable to find a rhythm on the final possession. Ohio State’s defensive backs were all over the Longhorns’ receivers, and Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer consistently pressured Ewers, making it difficult for him to set his feet and find his targets. On a fourth-and-10 from the Ohio State 39-yard line, Ewers threw an interception to Burke, who sealed the win for the Buckeyes.

Key Takeaways

Ohio State’s victory over Texas was a testament to the team’s ability to make plays when it mattered most. The Buckeyes were able to control the tempo of the game with their balanced offense and timely defense. McCord, though not spectacular, showed maturity and leadership, making key throws on third down and in the red zone. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by Tuimoloau and Burke, was outstanding, making several crucial stops in critical moments.

Texas, on the other hand, had its chances but struggled to capitalize in key situations. Despite a strong performance from Ewers and Brooks, the Longhorns were unable to overcome Ohio State’s defensive pressure and lack of execution in the red zone. The missed opportunities, combined with key turnovers, were too much for Texas to overcome.

In the end, Ohio State proved that it was capable of competing with the nation’s elite, and this win would certainly boost the Buckeyes’ standing in the College Football Playoff race. For Texas, there were lessons to be learned, and the Longhorns would have to regroup and refocus for the remainder of the season.