During the victory over Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian had a strained interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. The interaction on the sideline was strained, with Sarkisian seeming distracted. It drew immediate criticism across the internet and from critics like Paul Finebaum and Gordon Monson. The moment went out live, intensifying the criticism. The University of Texas afterward blamed 'technical difficulties' for the awkward exchange, claiming gear issues affected the interview. Clips from the interview were passed around by fans.