Ohio State’s defense came up clutch when it mattered most in the Cotton Bowl, delivering two crucial fourth-down stops and shutting down Texas in the red zone.
Early in the game, with Texas threatening to score, the Buckeyes’ defense stood tall on fourth down, forcing a turnover on downs and preventing the Longhorns from gaining any momentum. Later in the game, with Texas driving to tie the score, the Buckeyes’ defense came up big again, stopping the Longhorns on fourth down and preserving their lead.
This ability to make key stops in crucial moments was a hallmark of Ohio State’s defensive performance. They were disciplined, they were aggressive, and they never gave up.
In addition to their fourth-down stops, the Buckeyes’ defense was also dominant in the red zone. They prevented Texas from scoring touchdowns on multiple trips inside the 20-yard line, forcing the Longhorns to settle for field goals.
This bend-but-don’t-break mentality was crucial for Ohio State. They limited Texas’s scoring opportunities and kept the Longhorns from ever getting back into the game.
