If Texas Longhorns fans weren’t already anxious enough prior to a 38-yard field goal attempt that would send them into the College Football Playoff semifinal, ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore sent those anxious feelings through the roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with his call leading up to the attempt.
Not even two minutes earlier, Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn missed a 48-yard attempt that would’ve put his team in prime position, up three late. After the ensuing Arizona State drive stalled out, Texas quickly got back into field goal range to give Auburn another shot at history.
Unfortunately, the kicker’s storybook ending didn’t go as planned. Tessitore teed up the kick in classic announcer jinx fashion, rattling off that Auburn was perfect on field goals of under 40 yards this season.
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
“He’s 9-of-9 this year under 40,” Tessitore began. “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!”
It wouldn’t be the final time that Longhorns fans would feel their semifinal hopes slipping away. Fast-forward to the first overtime period, and the Longhorns faced a 4th and 13 with their playoff life in dire straits. Enter: Quinn Ewers and Matthew Golden. The Texas quarterback hit the wide receiver for a touchdown to extend the game.
“Texas must convert 4th-and-13… TO STAY ALIVE! CAN THEY HOOK ‘EM?! TOUCHDOWN, MATTHEW GOLDEN!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/a38XeAakMx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
Texas would go onto win in the second overtime period, fading Tessitore’s announcer jinx. You’d have to think that Longhorns fans may have held a bit of a grudge against Tessitore had the result been different.
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About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.