The Texas Longhorns are moving on in the College Football Playoff after a nail-biting 39-31 double-overtime victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils. But the thrilling win has brought criticism, especially from former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who questioned the performance of college kickers in high-pressure moments.
Chad Johnson Calls Out College Football/NFL Kickers
Johnson’s comments came after Texas kicker Bert Auburn missed two crucial field goals, nearly costing his team the game. On “Nightcap,” Johnson said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with college kickers. Hell, I don’t even know what’s wrong with NFL kickers. You have one job, you do one thing the entirety day of practice — you kick the ball, that’s it.”
Auburn, who had been nearly flawless from under 40 yards throughout his career, missed a 38-yard attempt as time expired in regulation, leaving the game tied at 24.
Joe Tessitore:
"He's 9-of-9 this year under 40. A 38-yard attempt to make it to the National Semifinals, and to cap a classic! Does he have it?!"
"UPRIGHT DENIES HIM! SPARKY'S GOT LIFE! OFF THE LEFT UPRIGHT! AND WE ARE GOING TO OVERTIME IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF!" https://t.co/jD0fHKzpXi pic.twitter.com/nFqLapNKFB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
Johnson noted how costly such mistakes could be, adding, “Texas kicker almost cost the game because he missed two key field goals that could have sealed the win. Now, they did win the game, but ain’t no telling what could have happened.”
Despite Auburn’s struggles, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers came up clutch in the final moment, throwing for 322 yards and four total touchdowns, including two in overtime.
The 21-year-old connected with tight end Gunnar Helm for a 25-yard score in double overtime before the Longhorns’ defense sealed the victory with an interception of ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Ewers’ heroics may have saved the day for head coach Steve Sarkisian, but the missed field goals raised questions about Texas’ ability to seize key moments.
If Auburn had capitalized, Arizona State’s comeback effort, led by Cam Skattebo, wouldn’t have nearly cost Texas its season. Skattebo, a senior running back, was exceptional during the Sun Devils’ resurgence, turning quarterback on a trick play and launching a 42-yard touchdown pass to Melquan Stovall before scoring twice more, including a three-yard rush in overtime.
Skattebo’s clutch performance and belief kept the Sun Devils in the fight until the end, earning him praise even in defeat.
The Longhorns will now turn their attention to the Ohio State Buckeyes — who dominated the No. 1-seeded Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl — in the Cotton Bowl. The semifinal matchup gives the Longhorns a home-state advantage, but Sarkisian’s men must stay consistent under pressure.
Auburn’s uncharacteristic misses and a shaky defense could cost Texas in its quest for a national championship. The drama of this game set a high bar for the rest of the playoff games, but as Johnson pointed out, one critical job on the field still needs to be done right. For Texas, the kicker’s redemption arc might just define its title hopes.