Texas receiving leader Matthew Golden missed big part of Cotton Bowl semi with apparent foot issue

Texas receiving leader Matthew Golden missed a significant part of the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff semifinal loss against Ohio State after going to the locker room because of an apparent foot issue
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) jogs on the sideline during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) jogs on the sideline during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas receiving leader Matthew Golden missed a significant part of the Longhorns' College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Ohio State on Friday night after going to the locker room because of an apparent foot issue.

Golden had an impressive one-handed catch to convert a third down on the opening drive of the game. His only other reception was a 27-yarder in the fourth quarter on a drive when the Longhorns was at the Ohio State 1 before a clinching fumble return for a touchdown by the Buckeyes in a 28-14 victory.

The Texas radio network reported in the first quarter that Golden was getting a foot looked at in the medical tent. Golden returned to the field at the start of the second quarter, when he was called for a facemask penalty when blocking on a short pass play.

Moments later, after Texas punted, Golden was seen walking down the tunnel toward the locker room. He came back on the sideline before halftime, but wasn't involved again until he was the intended receiver on a third-down incompletion to start the fourth quarter.

Golden finished the season with 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.

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Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) walks off the field with trainers during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Credit: AP

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Actor Matthew McConaughey, left, watches as Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) runs toward the sideline against Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun, middle, and cornerback Jordan Hancock (7) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Credit: AP

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Credit: AP