From OutKick · Ryan Gaydos · · 1m 20s
Sarkisian's five-word ESPN exit after a 24-23 stunner
Texas erased a 20-point hole against Ohio State, and the internet spent the night arguing about how their coach handled a sideline mic.
In brief
Texas erased a 20-point hole against Ohio State, and the internet spent the night arguing about how their coach handled a sideline mic. Sarkisian never snubbed anyone. ESPN's own technical problems ate the halftime window, and the reporter apologized to him on air. Originally reported by OutKick.
A 20-point hole in Austin
Texas trailed Ohio State 23-3 in the third quarter on Saturday night. Steve Sarkisian's team then climbed all the way back to win 24-23.
The tunnel jog
Down 20-3 near halftime, ESPN cameras caught Sarkisian running up the tunnel while sideline reporter Laura Rutledge tried to catch him for the break interview.
ESPN apologized, not the coach
Rutledge went on air to explain that the network's technical problems kept Sarkisian waiting, and that he apologized to them first.
“He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had.”
Five words and gone
After the comeback, Holly Rowe got the postgame hit. Sarkisian gave her a single line and headed straight for the locker room.
“Texas fight, hook 'em.”
The internet picked sides
Some read the quick exit as disrespect to the broadcast crew. Others saw a coach who had already been left hanging once that night.
Who actually won the game
Arch Manning threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. Hollywood Smothers rushed for 74 yards and punched in two scores. Ohio State's Julian Sayin threw for 278 with a pick.
The big picture
Sarkisian never snubbed anyone. ESPN's own technical problems ate the halftime window, and the reporter apologized to him on air.
