After a devastating loss to their archrivals, Michigan, the Buckeyes were forced to do some soul-searching. With fans calling for Ryan Day’s firing after failing with a “20-million-dollar roster,” the team found itself with its back against the wall. But with one last opportunity to salvage the season through the expanded college football playoffs, Ohio State wasn’t about to squander it. After dominating the first two rounds of the playoffs—defeating Tennessee and avenging their earlier loss to Oregon—the Buckeyes now faced Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a spot in the National Championship.
Photo Cred: Dispatch
The stage was set for an all-time classic. Jerry’s World was filled with scarlet, though mostly burnt orange, for the 89th Cotton Bowl. Texas received the opening kickoff but was quickly stopped in Ohio State territory on a fourth down. The Buckeyes, like every opening drive in these playoffs, started strong, taking the ball downfield with a balanced mix of run and pass. The drive culminated in a 9-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins, giving Ohio State an early 7-0 lead. Following that early score, it was mostly a punt-fest for the remainder of the first half.
Ohio State’s defense kept Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense in check, while Ohio State’s offense struggled with penalties and getting off schedule. Texas couldn’t get anything going until just before halftime, when Ewers connected with Jaydon Blue on an 18-yard pass to tie the game at 7. However, there were still 29 seconds left on the clock—a small window, but Ohio State made the most of it. On the very first play of their ensuing drive, Chip Kelly called a perfectly executed screen pass for TreVeyon Henderson.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Henderson followed his lead blockers, made some crucial cuts, and burst through the Texas defense, taking the pass 75 yards for a touchdown to reclaim the lead before halftime. After a few defensive stops by both teams, Texas managed to tie the game again at 14-14 when Ewers found Blue once more, this time on a 26-yard pass, mirroring their earlier connection. With the game knotted at 14 entering the fourth quarter, Ohio State began their final drive, looking to Will Howard and the passing game.
Howard and his receivers came through, converting key third and fourth downs to extend the drive and eat up clock. Howard completed 7 of 9 passes on the drive and even had an 18-yard run on a crucial fourth down. The drive culminated with Quinshon Judkins’ second touchdown of the game—a 1-yard run that put Ohio State back in front, 21-14. Texas had about seven minutes left to answer, and they started moving the ball downfield, with Ewers connecting on some deep passes. The Longhorns found themselves with a first-and-goal at the Ohio State 1-yard line.
On first down, the Buckeyes stuffed an inside run to keep the ball at the 1-yard line. On second down, Texas tried an outside pitch, but Ohio State’s star safeties, Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom, combined for a loss of 7 yards. This set up a third-and-goal from the 8-yard line, where Jack Sawyer deflected Ewers’ pass attempt, setting up a decisive fourth-and-goal with just 2 minutes remaining. On fourth down, Ewers dropped back to pass, rolled to his left, but couldn’t escape Jack Sawyer, who strip-sacked Ewers.
Photo Cred: Texas Public Radio
Sawyer picked up his own forced fumble and raced down the Ohio State sideline for a game-sealing scoop-and-score. The Buckeyes’ fans erupted in celebration, while Texas was left in disappointment. Sawyer’s long run was a flashback to Ezekiel Elliott’s iconic run against Alabama in the 2015 College Football Playoffs. With that touchdown, Jack Sawyer punched Ohio State’s ticket to the National Championship.
Ohio State now faces a familiar foe in Notre Dame. The Buckeyes and Irish have squared off in home-and-home matchups over the past two seasons, with Ohio State winning both games. Last season’s game ended with Ohio State scoring on the final play to win in South Bend. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, is also familiar with Ohio State, having been a former player and coach for the program.
Ohio State will have its hands full, as Notre Dame has turned their season around after an early loss to Northern Illinois. Since then, the Irish have found various ways to win and have been on a roll in these playoffs. On the other hand, Ohio State has also turned things around with an offensive explosion.
