The saying “Defense wins championships” proved true once again in a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer made a game-changing play in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman stripped the ball from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and returned it for an 83-yard touchdown, marking the longest scoop-and-score in College Football Playoff history according to ESPN.
Sawyer’s impactful moment came against his former freshman-year roommate Ewers, who had transferred to Texas after a season with Ohio State and has excelled as a top quarterback for the Longhorns. Ohio State coach Ryan Day praised Sawyer’s dedication and performance, hailing him as a true Buckeye and a team captain who has become a legend at the university.
The crucial play by Sawyer was part of a goal-line stand by Ohio State’s defense, following back-to-back penalties that had put Texas in a threatening position. Sawyer’s touchdown sealed the Buckeyes’ 28-14 victory over Texas, propelling them to the CFP national championship game.
Sawyer shared his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to make a game-changing play, showcasing his skills with three tackles, two pass breakups, two quarterback pressures, a sack, a forced fumble, and a touchdown on the memorable night. The win sets up Ohio State to face their next opponent in the championship game.
7-seed Notre Dame will face off against their opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, January 20. The USA TODAY app is designed to provide readers with up-to-the-minute news in a quick and efficient manner. Users can access award-winning coverage, engaging crosswords, captivating audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and much more by simply downloading the app.
(This story has been updated to include new photos or videos.) Originally reported by USA TODAY, the thrilling game saw Jack Sawyer’s remarkable scoop-and-score touchdown lead Ohio State to a victory over Texas.
