AUSTIN, Texas -- After a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that the Buckeyes should be rewarded for playing a marquee matchup in a nonconference game.

"I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game," Sarkisian said. "I hope if they end up being a 9-3 team, the committee can appreciate the fact that they came to Austin, Texas, in September when it was 100 degrees and played us in that environment."

Last year, Sarkisian said the Longhorns shouldn't have been punished for their 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes early in the season. "Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us," he said.

Ohio State fell to No. 6 in the AP Top 25. Sarkisian reiterated that he seeks to play in big games and that the Texas "brand" means teams and television networks will want the school in marquee matchups.

"That's why you come to Texas, to play in these big games," Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning said. "I think it helps our team, builds confidence that we can win in any way."

After his team scored 21 points in the final quarter, Manning sprinted across the field in celebration. "That was the most fun ending to a game I've ever had," he said.

Sarkisian's message was that these heavyweight fights should be considered a strength rather than hurting the teams that lose. "Everybody loves those matchups," he said. "Well, if we want to continue with those matchups, we've got to reward the teams for playing in those games."

After the win, the Longhorns ascended to No. 1 in this week's AP poll, the third season in a row in which Texas has hit that mark.