In a game defined by explosive offenses, relentless quarterback play, and momentum swings that never seemed to settle, No. 17 Ohio State marched into Austin and stunned the No. 2 Texas Longhorns, 62–52. It was the kind of heavyweight fight where neither defense ever truly found its footing, and every possession carried the feeling of a must-score. By the time the final whistle sounded, both teams had combined for 114 points and over 1,200 yards of total offense, turning Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium into a fireworks display.
A First Half That Set the Tone
Ohio State struck first—and struck fast. Quarterback Julian Sayin opened the game by hitting Phillip Bell on a 52-yard strike, one of three touchdowns Bell would finish with. Texas answered briefly with a 69-yard bomb from Marcel Reed to Manu Rome, but the Buckeyes controlled the opening frame and carried a 13–7 lead into the second quarter.
The Buckeye defense made its biggest early statement when Selman Bridges jumped a route and returned an interception 103 yards to the house, a play that electrified the visiting sideline and put Texas on its heels. Though the Longhorns’ offense sputtered in the second quarter, Ohio State continued to build its lead behind efficient drives and a short Sam Williams-Dixon touchdown, giving them a 28–7 advantage at halftime.
Little did anyone know the second half would transform into a scoring avalanche.
Texas Roars Back—But Ohio State Never Flinches
Whatever adjustments Texas made in the locker room worked immediately. Sophomore quarterback Akili Smith Jr. orchestrated a blistering third-quarter rally, throwing three touchdown passes—including a 30-yard strike to Jaime Ffrench—and converting multiple two-point attempts. Smith finished the night with 405 yards and five touchdowns, doing everything he could to drag the Longhorns back into contention.
But Ohio State refused to fold.
Every time Texas closed the gap, Sayin had an answer. The junior quarterback delivered one of the best performances of his Buckeye career, throwing for 339 yards, four touchdowns, and completing passes to eight different receivers. His command of the offense kept OSU in rhythm even as Texas pushed the pace.
Ohio State entered the fourth quarter clinging to a 42–37 lead. Texas had turned the night into a track meet—but Sayin and backup Matt Zollers ensured the Buckeyes had the final kick.
Fourth Quarter Fireworks
The final period belonged to the offenses entirely.
Texas again surged, with Manu Rome—the Longhorns’ unstoppable freshman phenom—breaking loose for touchdown catches of 63 and 52 yards. Rome finished with a staggering 10 receptions, 246 yards, and 3 touchdowns, all while adding 214 RAC yards after contact. The Buckeyes simply had no answer for his combination of speed and physicality.
But while Texas kept scoring, Ohio State remained ruthlessly efficient. Phillip Bell hauled in another deep touchdown, and Shamar Rigby added a 53-yard score from Zollers as OSU continued to protect its lead. A late touchdown from Quincy Porter sealed the victory at 62–52, quieting the Texas crowd and completing an offensive masterpiece.
Statistical Shootout
This wasn’t just a high-scoring game—it was an all-out statistical anomaly.
Ohio State (62 points)
- 537 total yards
- Sayin: 339 yards, 4 TD
- Zollers: 119 yards, 2 TD
- Bell: 8 catches, 142 yards, 3 TD
- Rigby & Porter: 100+ yards each
- Defense: 3 interceptions, including Bridges’ 103-yard return
Texas (52 points)
- 674 total yards
- Smith Jr.: 405 yards, 5 TD
- Reed: 171 yards, 1 TD
- Rome: 246 yards, 3 TD
- Ffrench: 126 yards, 1 TD
- Lockett & McCutcheon combined for 142 yards and 2 TD
- Rushing: modest but efficient at 4.7 yards per carry
Both teams exceeded 75 plays and averaged a combined 8.2 yards per play, underscoring just how little resistance either defense provided.
Key Turning Points
1. Bridges’ 103-Yard Pick-Six (1st Quarter)
Texas was driving to tie the game early, but the massive momentum swing gave Ohio State an early two-score cushion.
2. Missed Two-Point Conversions by Texas
Texas went 4/5 in the second half, but failed conversions in high-leverage moments kept them chasing.
3. Zollers’ 53-Yard Strike in the Fourth
Every time Texas threatened to take control, OSU responded. This touchdown re-established a two-score lead the Longhorns couldn’t overcome.
Player of the Game: Phillip Bell, WR, Ohio State
While Sayin was brilliant, Bell was unstoppable:
- 8 receptions
- 142 yards
- 3 touchdowns
- Multiple explosive RAC plays
- The go-to weapon when OSU needed big moments
His presence consistently punished Texas’ secondary and set the tone for the Buckeyes’ air attack.
What This Means Moving Forward
For Ohio State, this win is season-changing. Knocking off the No. 2 team in the nation on the road sends a statement: the Buckeyes’ offense is among the best in college football, and their quarterback play is elite.
For Texas, the loss is painful but not devastating. The Longhorns showed they can score with anyone, and Manu Rome’s breakout performance suggests future superstardom. But defensive issues—especially in the secondary—pose serious concerns heading deeper into the schedule.
Final Verdict
This game was everything college football fans crave: breakneck scoring, superstar performances, dramatic swings, and unforgettable plays. In a battle where neither defense could keep pace, the Buckeyes simply landed more punches and walked out of Austin with a defining 62–52 victory.
