Three plays later, Texas was facing fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line. The Longhorns’ scoring opportunity turned into a disastrous 14-point swing for Ohio State, as Jack Sawyer strip-sacked Quinn Ewers and returned the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown. It arguably was the most pivotal play in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win.
The second-most pivotal play may have come two downs earlier. After all, how did the Longhorns move back seven yards after facing first-and-goal at the 1?
Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian dialed up a toss to the left sideline, which was run down by Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Though he didn’t make the tackle, he forced Quintrevion Wisner back far enough that Ohio State was able to tackle him for the huge loss.
‘That’s one of those plays, if you block it all right, you get into the end zone,’ Sarkisian said after the game. ‘We didn’t, and we lost quite a bit of yardage.’
Here’s how social media reacted to Texas’ play call in the important moment:
Social media reacts to Texas’ toss play vs Ohio State
Here are the best reactions to Texas’ toss play call late in the fourth quarter against the Buckeyes on Friday night: