In Arlington, Texas, Jack Sawyer made a memorable play that will be remembered long after his time at Ohio State. He stripped the ball from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, his former roommate, and ran 83 yards for a touchdown, securing a 28-14 win over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl. This victory puts the Buckeyes in contention for their sixth AP national title.
Coach Ryan Day praised Sawyer and his teammates, highlighting their potential to become legends in Ohio State history. With the win, the Buckeyes advance to play Notre Dame in the upcoming championship game in Atlanta on Jan. 20. This opportunity comes after a setback against Michigan earlier in the season.
Sawyer’s crucial play on defense sealed the semifinal victory, setting a new record for the longest fumble return in College Football Playoff history. Reflecting on the moment, Sawyer described his focus on staying on his feet and taking advantage of the open field ahead of him.
Ewers, who previously roomed with Sawyer in Columbus, acknowledged Sawyer’s skill and the impact of the game-changing play. Despite Texas’ efforts, they fell short in the face of Ohio State’s strong performance.
The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Quinshon Judkins, played a key role in securing the win with multiple touchdowns and a strong drive down the field. Quarterback Will Howard’s standout performance also contributed to the team’s success, including a crucial fourth-down conversion.
Looking ahead to the championship game, the Buckeyes aim to build on their recent success and make a lasting mark in college football history.
Ohio State’s Judkins scored a 9-yard run on their opening drive to take the lead in the game against Texas. However, their momentum waned as they punted on four consecutive possessions while Texas managed to tie the score at 7 with a touchdown pass from Ewers to Blue just before halftime.
The game saw some standout plays, including a 75-yard touchdown run by Buckeyes’ running back TreVeyon Henderson and a clutch 26-yard TD catch by Blue in the third quarter. Ewers also displayed his skills under pressure, making a remarkable play to convert a third-and-10 situation.
The match ended in a tie, setting the stage for a potential rematch between Ohio State and Texas in the 2025 season opener. While Ohio State gears up for the CFP title game, Texas eagerly anticipates facing off against the Buckeyes once again at Ohio Stadium.
