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College Football Playoff: Jack Sawyer’s fumble recovery touchdown secures Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl victory against Texas

Posted on by Goldteelic
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11
Jan
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Ohio State Secures Spot in National Championship with Victory Over Texas in Cotton Bowl

Ohio State has earned a place in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, where they will meet Notre Dame after a hard-fought 28-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, stopping the Longhorns on the goal line and sealing the game with a game-changing fumble return touchdown from Jack Sawyer.

Key Defensive Stop and Game-Sealing Play by Jack Sawyer

With just under three minutes left in the game, Texas was within striking distance, trailing by seven points and facing a first-and-goal from the Ohio State 1-yard line. A series of pass interference penalties in the end zone had set the Longhorns up with a golden opportunity to tie the game. But Ohio State’s defense rose to the occasion. On first down, Texas running back Jerrick Gibson was stuffed for no gain. The Longhorns then tried to pitch the ball to Quintrevion Wisner on the outside, but Ohio State read the play perfectly, stopping Wisner for a 7-yard loss.

Facing a critical third-and-goal, Ewers’ pass attempt to Ryan Wingo was tipped at the line of scrimmage. On the subsequent fourth down, Sawyer, a key defensive player for the Buckeyes, came off the edge to force and recover the fumble, racing 83 yards to the end zone for the touchdown that sealed Ohio State’s victory.

Sawyer described the moment in a postgame interview, saying, “I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him, and I was thinking I just gotta stay on my feet because, like I said, I almost blacked out when I saw all that green grass in front of me.”

Ohio State’s Strategic Offensive Moves Lead to Victory

Earlier in the game, Ohio State had taken a 21-14 lead when Quinshon Judkins scored his second touchdown of the night, capping off an impressive 88-yard drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock. The key play in the drive came when quarterback Will Howard ran for a critical fourth-down conversion, keeping the momentum going for the Buckeyes. With Texas’ defense struggling to stop the powerful offensive surge from Ohio State, the Buckeyes seemed in control.

But Texas wasn’t done yet. The Longhorns nearly mounted a comeback late in the game, but their hopes were dashed after Caleb Downs intercepted Ewers with 1:44 left on the clock, effectively ending any chance of a miracle finish. This interception allowed Ohio State to secure the victory and ensure their place in the national title game.

The Ohio State-Notre Dame Showdown Awaits

Ohio State will now face Notre Dame for the national championship on January 20 in Atlanta. The Fighting Irish earned their spot after defeating Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl, which served as the other College Football Playoff semifinal. This matchup between the Buckeyes and Notre Dame will mark the third time the two teams have met in the past four seasons, all during Marcus Freeman’s tenure as head coach of the Irish. Freeman, a former linebacker for Ohio State, has seen his alma mater win each of the previous two meetings between the teams. Overall, Ohio State is undefeated against Notre Dame, boasting a 6-0 record dating back to their first matchup in 1995.

Texas Defense Shuts Down Jeremiah Smith, but Other Buckeyes Step Up

Before the Cotton Bowl, many believed that if Ohio State’s freshman star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith were held to just one catch for three yards, Texas would likely be the team moving on to the national championship. The Longhorns’ defense did a stellar job limiting Smith, who had previously scored four touchdowns in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff. Texas’ defense, ranked among the best in the country, blanketed Smith on all three of his targets.

However, while Smith was contained, other Ohio State players took advantage of the attention given to the star receiver. Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes’ third-leading wide receiver, stepped up in a big way, leading the team with seven receptions for 87 yards. Additionally, running back TreVeyon Henderson made a significant impact, catching a 75-yard screen pass for a touchdown, giving Ohio State a crucial lead before halftime. Henderson’s only catch of the game turned out to be a game-changing play, though he also rushed for 42 yards on six carries.

Texas’ Offensive Strategy and Key Players

Despite Ohio State’s dominance, Texas had moments of offensive success. Running back Jaydon Blue emerged as the Longhorns’ primary offensive weapon, catching five passes for 59 yards and scoring both of Texas’ touchdowns. Blue’s effectiveness as a receiver helped stretch Ohio State’s defense horizontally, as the Longhorns worked to exploit openings near the line of scrimmage. With wide receiver Matthew Golden hampered by an ankle injury, Blue and Wisner combined to catch 11 of Ewers’ 23 completions, keeping Texas within striking distance for much of the game.

Ohio State’s Ups and Downs: Talent Still Shines Through

While Ohio State appeared poised for a dominant performance after their strong start, their offense had moments of inconsistency throughout the game. After forcing Texas to turn the ball over on downs early in the first quarter, the Buckeyes looked ready to cruise. However, they struggled to maintain offensive rhythm against one of the nation’s top defenses, punting four times in the first half after Judkins’ opening touchdown.

In the second half, Ohio State’s offense continued to sputter with an interception and two more punts. Despite these mid-game struggles, Ohio State’s talent ultimately shone through when it mattered most. The Buckeyes’ defense stepped up at key moments, and their offense responded with timely plays, allowing them to secure the win and advance to the national championship despite having two losses in the regular season.

Conclusion: Ohio State’s Resilience Pays Off

Ohio State’s ability to overcome offensive struggles, rely on a dominant defense, and execute key plays under pressure has earned them a well-deserved spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes’ remarkable comeback victories, clutch defensive stops, and game-winning plays are a testament to their resilience and talent, making them one of the most formidable teams in college football heading into the championship game against Notre Dame.

Goldteelic

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