Ohio State's fourth-quarter collapse against Texas raises questions
Ohio State squandered a 20-point lead in a 24-23 loss to Texas, with the Longhorns scoring three touchdowns in the final quarter. Coach Ryan Day acknowledged the team failed to execute in the fourth quarter, as the Buckeyes became conservative on both sides of the ball. The loss marks another late-game failure for Day's squad in a big matchup.
The loss marked the second consecutive season Ohio State has surrendered a late lead in a marquee non-conference matchup, following a similar pattern of conservative play-calling in crunch time. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's shift from aggressive pressure to softer zone coverage allowed Texas quarterback Arch Manning to find rhythm after three quarters of disruption, while the offense managed just one first down in the entire fourth quarter before the final desperation sequence.
Day's decision to use his final timeout defensively rather than letting Texas score quickly backfired, leaving quarterback Julian Sayin only 25 seconds to work with after the Longhorns took the lead. The missed 46-yard field goal by transfer kicker Connor Hawkins also loomed large, as the Buckeyes settled for three points instead of pressing for a touchdown that would have forced Texas to score twice.
This collapse could intensify scrutiny of Ryan Day's game management in high-stakes contests, potentially affecting recruiting perceptions and fan confidence in the program's ability to close out elite opponents. For Ohio State supporters, the pattern of fourth-quarter failures may fuel broader questions about the coaching staff's philosophy under pressure, while Texas gains momentum as a national title contender. The result could shape playoff positioning conversations and influence how both programs are evaluated by selection committees later in the season.