Texas kicker warming up (Photo via ESPN)
Texas kicker Bert Auburn nearly cost his team a spot in the College Football Playoffs semifinals with his disastrous performance at today’s Sugar Bowl. But there may be a valid reason for his struggles.

If Auburn seemed distracted while missing two potential game-winning field goals during the final two minutes of the game, we now know why. Video from the game shows the Longhorn kicker appearing to get distracted by two females from ASU who (purposely?) walked right in front of him as he warmed up before attempting his final kick of regulation time.

Prior to this, Auburn had missed a 48-yard attempt with 1:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. He probably didn’t think he would get another shot at redemption in regulation time, but the Texas defense forced Arizona State to go three-and-out in just 42 seconds, getting the ball back to their offense with 52 seconds remaining.

Despite starting from his own 20, Quinn Ewers managed to take his team all the way down to the Sun Devils’ 19-yard-line, setting up a 38-yard attempt for Auburn. But he missed once again, hooking his kick off the left upright.

After blowing so many opportunities to put away the game, Texas finally won it when they intercepted ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt in double overtime to seal the 39-31 victory.

With the win, Texas advances to the Cotton Bowl on January 10, where they will take on the winner of Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl between Oregon and Ohio State.