Arch Manning and Trevor Goosby earned SEC weekly honors after helping Texas erase a 20-point deficit and stun No. 1 Ohio State in Austin.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby picked up SEC honors after playing central roles in one of the Longhorns’ biggest victories of the season, a dramatic 24-23 comeback win over No. 1 Ohio State.
Manning was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, while Goosby shared SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors following Texas’ rally from a 23-3 fourth-quarter deficit.
The final passing numbers don’t fully explain Manning’s impact.
He completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but his biggest work came with Texas staring at a 20-point hole.
Manning helped direct three consecutive touchdown drives to finish the game as the Longhorns scored 21 unanswered points.
Texas became the only team in the past 15 seasons to finish a victory with three consecutive touchdown drives of at least 12 plays, highlighting just how methodical the comeback became.
Manning also delivered twice on fourth down during those possessions, keeping drives alive against an Ohio State defense that had controlled most of the night.
“We couldn’t lose to them again,” Manning said afterward. “I had nightmares about that game last year. So, we’re glad to get a win tonight.”
While Manning received most of the attention, Goosby’s work up front was just as important.
The redshirt junior tackle didn’t allow a sack or quarterback pressure, giving Manning the time needed to operate during the fourth-quarter surge.
Goosby was also among Texas’ highest-graded offensive performers as the Longhorns repeatedly extended drives against the Buckeyes.
The awards continue a strong start for Texas in its second SEC season. Linebacker Rasheem Biles previously earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week recognition, giving the Longhorns three players with conference weekly honors through the opening two games.
More importantly, the Ohio State win gave Texas an early example of how it can respond when virtually everything goes wrong.
Instead of folding after falling behind by three scores, the Longhorns leaned on Manning, stayed patient offensively and finally wore down the Buckeyes.
Now the challenge changes.
Texas returns to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday to face UTSA, a game in which the Longhorns will be expected to control things from the start rather than manufacture another frantic finish.
Manning and Goosby already have the SEC hardware from the Ohio State comeback. Texas will want the performance behind those awards to become the standard rather than the exception.
