The Ohio State vs. Texas game on Saturday was a highly anticipated matchup, with many predicting a significant impact on the national championship prospects for the losing team. As the fourth quarter progressed, Texas seemed destined for defeat. However, a remarkable turnaround saw the Longhorns score three touchdowns, overcoming a 20-point deficit and handing the Buckeyes a surprising loss. This victory provided a redemption moment for quarterback Arch Manning, following the previous year’s opening game loss to Ohio State.
“I’m just so proud of our guys in all three phases,” Manning stated. “It wasn’t very pretty, but we found a way to win. That’s what good teams do. We’ve got a bunch of good players. Lot of leaders. It’s going to be a fun night. I had nightmares about that game last year. So, we finally got a good win tonight. Gonna have a good night in Austin.”
This triumph not only delivered a critical victory for UT head coach Steve Sarkisian and Manning but also confirmed Texas as a genuine national title challenger. The Longhorns’ chances of clinching the national championship saw a notable increase. Before the game, their odds stood at 11%. After the victory, the odds rose to 17%, according to Polymarket. Ohio State still saw its odds increase slightly from 12% to 14%, placing them alongside Notre Dame with the second-best odds nationally.
Beyond the improvement in championship odds, Texas also benefited in the national rankings. The Longhorns ascended to the top position in both the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. They are currently ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s FPI Top 25 Rankings.
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