Last year, Arch Manning had one of his worst games of the season as Texas fell 14-7 at Ohio State in their season opener. Saturday night in Austin, Manning got his shot at redemption, and made the most of it, leading the Longhorns to a thrilling comeback win over No. 1-ranked Ohio State. The Buckeyes came out firing, jumping out to a 20-3 halftime lead behind quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
But Texas stormed back in the second half, with Manning bringing the offense to life and the Longhorns scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to escape with a 24-23 victory in front of more than 105,000 home fans. That comeback wasn't just thrilling; it was unprecedented. It marked the first time in program history that Ohio State has lost a game after leading by 17 or more points at halftime.
The Buckeyes had been 309-0 in that situation. It was also the first time in program history the Buckeyes lost a game after leading by 20 or more points through three quarters. More news: Nick Saban Calls for Major College Football Playoff Overhaul Manning struggled to generate much offense in the first half against one of the best defenses in the country, but what he showed late should give Texas fans plenty of hope.
Grinding out a gritty comeback win like that bodes well for the Longhorns' chances the rest of the season. Texas entered the week as the No. 4-ranked team in the country and one of the preseason title favorites. Saturday's win should push them toward the top of the rankings after toppling the No. 1 team in the country, while other top teams like Georgia and Notre Dame handled far less daunting competition.
More news: NCAA Issues Major Rule Change After Michigan-Western Michigan Controversy More news: LSU Fans Send Clear Message to Greg Sankey After Trying to Ban School From SEC Texas next hosts UTSA before traveling to Tennessee, then returns home for a stretch against Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. That's a brutal slate, but after taking down Ohio State, Manning and the Longhorns have to like their chances.
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