Ohio State’s semifinal matchup with Texas in the Cotton Bowl was a battle of two powerhouse programs, but it was one unforgettable play that defined the game. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Buckeyes clinging to a 21-14 lead, defensive star Jack Sawyer delivered the moment of the season. His strip sack of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and subsequent 82-yard touchdown return sealed Ohio State’s 28-14 victory and sent them to the national championship.
The play wasn’t just a game-clincher—it was the culmination of a season’s worth of preparation and sacrifice. Sawyer, an Ohio native who had bypassed the 2024 NFL Draft to return for a championship run, embodied everything that makes college football special. The sight of him streaking down the sideline with the ball in his hands will live in Buckeye lore for years to come.
The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with Texas pushing Ohio State to its limits. The Longhorns’ offense, led by former Buckeye Quinn Ewers, moved the ball effectively at times but struggled to finish drives against a stout Ohio State defense. In the end, the Buckeyes’ depth and talent proved too much, as they outlasted Texas in a physical, hard-fought contest.
This game highlighted the potential of the expanded playoff format to deliver marquee matchups between college football’s elite. For Ohio State, it was a stepping stone on their journey to a national championship. For fans, it was a reminder of why college football’s postseason is so special.
