During the win over Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian had an uncomfortable exchange with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. The interaction on the sideline was strained, with Sarkisian seeming distracted. It sparked backlash across the internet and from critics like Paul Finebaum and Gordon Monson. The incident aired live, boosting the backlash. The University of Texas afterward pointed to 'technical difficulties' for the awkward exchange, stating that equipment problems disrupted the interview. Clips from the interview were widely shared by viewers.