How did Ohio State blow it? The anatomy of Buckeyes' choke job vs Texas - USA Today

When a collapse this spectacular happens, every mistake deserves a second look.

For Ohio State, there were plenty to examine.

The Buckeyes spent three quarters looking every bit the best team in the country their No. 1 ranking warranted. Then came the the final 15 minutes that saw them blow a 20-point lead in a stunning 24-23 loss to Texas.

The Longhorns deserve credit for a furious fourth-quarter rally. After digging themselves into a deep hole with a series of early mistakes, they responded with 21 unanswered points to pull off one of the season's biggest comebacks.

But Ohio State played an equally important role in its own downfall, providing opportunity after opportunity for Texas to seize a signature victory.

The Longhorns won the game. The Buckeyes also lost it.

So how did a seemingly comfortable win turn into a stunning defeat? Let's break down everything that went wrong for Ohio State.

The first problem almost was just another major Texas mistake.

The Longhorns forced a punt with just under six minutes left in the third quarter. However, returner Ryan Niblett muffed the punt deep inside his own territory, and the Buckeyes were in prime position to recover it. By some miracle, Texas' Kade Phillips was able to pounce on it at the Texas 9-yard line, avoiding the dagger the Buckeyes could’ve delivered.

After converting a fourth down, Texas caught a huge break late in the third quarter when Emmett Mosley fumbled inside Ohio State territory. Receiver Cam Coleman pounced on the loose ball, preserving the drive.

Three plays later, the Longhorns scored their first touchdown to make it 23-10.

Had the Buckeyes recovered, Texas' comeback bid probably would have died right there.

Ohio State went three-and-out to give Texas the ball back, but had a chance to end the momentum when the Longhorns had fourth down at their own 32-yard line.

Arch Manning kept hope alive, connecting with Mosley again hauling in a 12-yard catch for a first down. Texas cruised the rest of the way for another touchdown to make it 23-17.

Finally, Ohio State’s offense came back to life to move into scoring range. A third down deep pass from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith that would’ve effectively ended the game was unsuccessful. So, the field goal team came out for a 45-yard attempt to make it a two-score game.

But then the ghost of the past came back for the Buckeyes. Connor Hawkins’ attempt went wide left with 4:17 left in the game, and that left the door open for the Longhorns to pull off the stunner.

This sequence will draw the most scrutiny.

Texas marched down the field and reached the red zone with 90 seconds remaining. With the Longhorns threatening and two timeouts still in his pocket, Ohio State coach Ryan Day chose to use both. By the time Texas reached the 1-yard line, the Buckeyes were out of stoppages, and only 53 seconds remained.

At that point, Ohio State faced a difficult choice. Without any way to stop the clock, the Buckeyes arguably were better off allowing Texas to score and preserving as much time as possible for a final drive.

Instead, they tried to keep the Longhorns out of the end zone. The strategy worked on first down, but not on second. Hollywood Smothers punched it in from a yard out to give Texas a 24-23 lead.

The touchdown came with just 25 seconds left. Had Texas scored immediately, Ohio State could have had nearly twice that much time to answer.

Backed up at its own 25-yard line with no timeouts, the Buckeyes suddenly needed both urgency and luck. Neither showed up.