During the win 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 looking away. It drew immediate criticism across the internet and from critics like Paul Finebaum and Gordon Monson. The incident went out live, intensifying the criticism. The University of Texas afterward blamed 'technical difficulties' for the awkward exchange, stating that equipment problems disrupted the interview. Clips from the interview were widely shared by viewers.