In the high-stakes environment of college football, play-calling decisions can significantly influence the outcome of a game. A recent instance that drew considerable attention occurred during the Cotton Bowl semifinal between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 10, 2025. With the Longhorns trailing by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, they found themselves with a first-and-goal at the Ohio State one-yard line. The sequence of plays that followed, particularly a pitch play to running back Quintrevion Wisner, has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts.
The Critical Sequence
With just over three minutes remaining and the Longhorns down by seven, they advanced to the Ohio State one-yard line. On first down, running back Jerrick Gibson was stopped for no gain. On second down, Coach Steve Sarkisian called for a toss play to Wisner, which resulted in a seven-yard loss. This sequence left Texas facing a third-and-goal from the eight-yard line. An incomplete pass on third down set up a fourth-and-goal, during which quarterback Quinn Ewers was strip-sacked by Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who returned the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown, effectively sealing the game for the Buckeyes. citeturn0search0
Public Reaction and Critique
The decision to call a toss play to Wisner on second down drew criticism from various quarters. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit remarked that, given the situation, utilizing quarterback Arch Manning, known for his mobility, might have been a more effective choice. Herbstreit suggested that a zone-read play with Manning could have exploited Ohio State’s defensive alignment more effectively. citeturn0news11
Coach Sarkisian’s Defense
In the aftermath, Coach Sarkisian defended his play-calling decisions. He explained that the team had a plan to get the ball on the edge when they reached the one-yard line. He acknowledged that the execution of the toss play was not as intended, leading to the loss of yardage. Sarkisian also noted that, despite the setback, the team was in four-down territory due to the game’s score, and he was prepared to continue the drive even if they didn’t score on that possession. citeturn0search0
Analyzing the Play-Call
The decision to call a toss play in a high-pressure situation can be analyzed from several perspectives:
- Defensive Alignment: Ohio State’s defense was known for its speed and aggressiveness. Attempting to execute a toss play against such a defense carries inherent risks, especially if the offensive line and blockers are unable to establish the necessary leverage.
- Personnel Considerations: Utilizing a quarterback with mobility, such as Manning, could have added a dual-threat element to the play, potentially forcing the defense to account for both the run and the pass.
- Execution Factors: The success of a toss play relies heavily on precise execution from the offensive line and skill players. Any breakdown in blocking assignments can lead to negative yardage, as was evident in this instance.
