In Arlington, Texas, during the Cotton Bowl game, Steve Sarkisian’s attempt to outsmart his opponent backfired. Despite his reputation as a top play caller, Sarkisian fell into a common coaching pitfall of trying to showcase his intelligence with fancy plays. Unfortunately, Ohio State’s defense made him pay in the closing moments of their 28-14 victory.
The critical moment came with Texas at first-and-goal from the 1-yard line, trailing by a touchdown late in the game. The Longhorns needed just three feet to tie the College Football Playoff semifinal. However, Sarkisian’s play-calling choices led to a series of missteps. On second down, a toss sweep play was easily read and stopped by the Buckeyes, resulting in a loss of yards.
Ultimately, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer sealed the win with a strip-sack of Texas’ quarterback, ending any hopes of a Longhorns comeback. Despite the excitement of Sawyer’s play, Texas had already stumbled earlier due to a failed attempt at the goal line.
Sarkisian defended his play call, insisting that it could have worked with proper execution. However, Ohio State’s defense was well-prepared and ready for the play, as evidenced by their quick reactions and solid tackles.
Although Texas fought hard and kept the game close, Ohio State’s ability to make crucial plays at key moments gave them the edge in the Cotton Bowl. Despite the loss, Texas put up a strong fight against a formidable opponent aiming for the national championship.
Ohio State’s victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl was marked by key plays that showcased the Buckeyes’ offensive prowess. Backer David Gbenda’s observations shed light on pivotal moments in the game, such as quarterback Will Howard’s 18-yard run on a crucial fourth-down play. Howard’s run set up Ohio State’s go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his composure under pressure.
Another standout play was TreVeyon Henderson’s explosive 75-yard touchdown on a screen pass. This electrifying moment highlighted Henderson’s exceptional speed and playmaking abilities, leaving Texas defenders trailing in his wake. Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka praised Henderson, labeling him as one of the fastest athletes he has ever witnessed on the field.
With the score tied at 7 late in the first half, Texas opted for a conservative touchback before halftime. However, Ohio State seized the opportunity to make a strategic move. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s decision to call a screen pass proved effective as the Texas defense fell for the well-executed play. The Buckeyes’ offensive line executed their blocking assignments flawlessly, creating a path for Henderson to exploit. His breakaway speed allowed him to sprint untouched into the end zone, securing a crucial score for Ohio State.
Despite Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s attempts to outsmart the Buckeyes, his team’s execution faltered at critical moments. A questionable play call on second down near the goal line backfired as Ohio State’s defense remained stout. Sarkisian’s decision to opt for a high-risk toss sweep to the boundary exposed a lack of creativity and precision in Texas’ offensive strategy.
While Sarkisian had shown promise earlier in the game with well-timed plays, such as a successful quarterback run by backup Arch Manning, his choices near the goal line proved costly. The failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities against a formidable opponent like Ohio State ultimately contributed to Texas’ downfall in the Cotton Bowl.
In hindsight, Sarkisian’s coaching decisions appeared misguided and lacking in foresight. The attempt to outwit the Buckeyes with unconventional plays only served to highlight the shortcomings in Texas’ game plan. Ohio State’s defensive awareness and disciplined execution thwarted Texas’ attempts to gain momentum, showcasing the stark difference in strategic acumen between the two teams.
As the dust settled on a disappointing outcome for Texas, the lessons learned from the Cotton Bowl defeat serve as a reminder of the importance of sound decision-making and strategic planning in high-stakes college football matchups. Sarkisian and his coaching staff must regroup and address the shortcomings exposed in this game to ensure future success on the gridiron.
Blake Toppmeyer, the national college football columnist for USA TODAY Network, offers insightful analysis on the intricacies of the game. His astute observations and in-depth coverage provide fans with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of college football.
