Ohio State secured a spot in the national title game against Notre Dame by defeating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night. The Buckeyes managed to pull ahead with 14 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing the victory after Texas had equalized in the third quarter. Let’s highlight the key plays that defined the game, as Ohio State aims to clinch its first title in ten years.
1. Jaydon Blue’s first touchdown catch:
Texas struggled to keep up with Ohio State in the first half. After the Longhorns turned the ball over on downs in Buckeyes’ territory, Ohio State responded with a 10-play drive culminating in a touchdown. Jaydon Blue’s 18-yard catch from Quinn Ewers tied the game at 7-7, offering Texas fans a glimmer of hope before halftime.
2. TreVeyon Henderson’s 75-yard touchdown catch:
Ohio State swiftly regained the lead with Henderson’s explosive play, leaving Texas defenders trailing behind as he sprinted to the end zone for a 14-7 halftime advantage.
3. David Gbenda’s interception:
Starting the second half, Ohio State looked poised to extend their lead. However, Texas’ defense stepped up with a crucial interception by David Gbenda, thwarting Ohio State’s scoring opportunity.
4. Will Howard’s fourth-down run:
Following Gbenda’s interception, Texas leveled the score at 14-14 late in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State orchestrated a meticulous 88-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a pivotal fourth-down conversion by Howard, who powered through for a first down at the Texas 34-yard line.
The game showcased Ohio State’s resilience and offensive prowess, ultimately outmatching Texas’ efforts to stay competitive.
Will Howard didn’t stumble and fall to the turf. The player had an open field in front of him but tripped on his run after converting on fourth down. Four plays later, Judkins found himself in the end zone for a second time as Ohio State secured the lead for good. Jack Sawyer’s scoop and score followed.
Texas responded to Ohio State’s score with a strong drive of their own. A 27-yard pass to Matthew Golden, who had been sidelined for much of the game with an ankle injury, brought Texas to the OSU 13-yard line. A pass interference penalty three plays later granted Texas a first down just two yards away from the end zone. Another pass interference call inched the ball a yard closer with four minutes remaining in the game.
However, the Longhorns’ fortunes took a turn for the worse. Jerrick Gibson was halted on a first-down run up the middle, and a subsequent attempt to spread Ohio State’s defense laterally with a pitch to Quintrevion Wisner resulted in a loss of seven yards. On third down, Ewers’ pass was tipped and fell incomplete.
At this juncture, a field goal would not suffice for Texas; a touchdown was imperative. Consequently, the Longhorns opted to go for it, but Ewers was unable to release the ball before being struck by Jack Sawyer. Ewers fumbled the ball, and Sawyer capitalised by returning it 83 yards for a touchdown, sealing Ohio State’s victory.
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score. Ohio State inches closer to securing a spot in the national championship!
Texas’ hopes of a dramatic comeback were dashed less than 30 seconds after Sawyer crossed the end zone, as Caleb Downs intercepted Ewers over the middle with just 1:44 remaining in the game.
