Steve Sarkisian, this is not how you help your team try and pull off a statement win. On the flip side, hey Jeremiah Smith, have a day. In the first half of the highly-anticipated showdown between Ohio State and Texas, it was a total domination by the Buckeyes, with the Big Ten power entering the locker rooms up 20-3.
Straight up, however, Sark totally blew it at the end of the first half, essentially putting the final Ohio State TD of the first 30 minutes on a platter for Ryan Day and Co. On 4th down in Ohio State territory, Sark went for it instead of trying to pin Ohio State back.
Texas tried some trickeration, but the Ohio State defense blew it up for a major loss. Not long after, Julian Sayin tossed a dime to Smith for a head-turning touchdown. Christmas in September for the Buckeyes? It sure feels that way thanks to Santa Sark delivering this present. Oops!
WHEN YOU NEED A SCORE, CALL FOUR ☎️
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2026
Circled Jeremiah Smith before the Ohio State TD heading into the half 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZKoa2433OC
Jeremiah Smith is looking as electric as ever vs. Texas, shutting up his doubters
Just look at how much that score meant to Smith. He went ahead and let Texas fans have it, and rightfully so. All week, people in Austin have been trying to compare Cam Coleman to Smith. Sorry, but there's simply no comparison there at all.
And so far, there's really no comparison between Ohio State and Texas. This feels like a Big Ten message is being sent too, as countless people assumed that the Longhorns would give the local fans something to celebrate in primetime. The opposite has been the case, with Ohio State stealing the show here and silencing those in the stands.
Entering this contest, Smith had faced off against Texas twice, being held to seven receptions for 46 yards. This has a lot of folks trying to bring him down. In the first half alone in Week 2 against Texas, the future Top 10 NFL pick recorded six receptions for 110 yards and his TD. Say something now, haters!
Oh that's right, you can't because Smith has looked unstoppable with the ball in his hands. Again, this has been a total domination and something not many of us expected. Arch Manning and his receivers can't get on the same page, and Sarkisian is getting outclassed by Day.
That's not a huge surprise, but the fact that the Texas head man made such a crucial mistake and allowed for Ohio State to take advantage of it is something no one back home in Columbus will be complaining about. Oh, and props to Jermaine Matthews Jr. for the crucial stop on 4th down too. Can't forget about his role in Sark having his head in his hands.
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