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ARLINGTON, Texas — Jack Sawyer created a lasting impression during his time with Ohio State, especially with a pivotal play against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. In a decisive moment, Sawyer forced a fumble from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, his former roommate, returning it 83 yards for a touchdown, contributing significantly to the Buckeyes’ 28-14 victory. This win not only secured a spot in the College Football Playoff championship but also positioned Ohio State for a potential sixth AP national title.
“We discussed how to leave behind a legacy and how becoming a legend is essential for some of the players on this team,” expressed Ohio State coach Ryan Day. “Now they have 10 more days together and the chance to write their story with one more win.”
Sawyer’s sensational play, alongside Quinshon Judkins, who scored two rushing touchdowns, propelled Ohio State (13-2) to a thrilling semifinal victory at AT&T Stadium, the same venue where they celebrated championship glory a decade earlier during the initial College Football Playoff format. With the new extended 12-team format in play, the Buckeyes now aim to replicate their past success.
Ohio State is set to face Orange Bowl champion Notre Dame in Atlanta on January 20, presenting a chance for an impressive finish to their season, particularly following their loss to rival Michigan on November 30.
Sawyer’s defining moment came on a crucial fourth-and-goal situation from the 8-yard line, where he stripped Ewers of the ball, picked it up, and galloped into the end zone with just over two minutes remaining, marking the longest fumble return in the history of the College Football Playoff.
“I saw the ball come right to me after I tackled him, and my only thought was to stay on my feet because the green grass was calling,” Sawyer recounted about the play.
Ewers and Sawyer had previously shared a room in Columbus, but Ewers transferred to Texas soon after. While Ewers had led the Longhorns (13-3) to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals, Texas now faces its longest stretch without a national title since Vince Young led the team to victory in 2005.
“I sensed him coming. I thought I could get my pass off before he reached me,” Ewers reflected, acknowledging Sawyer’s remarkable play. “Jack is a talented player who made a crucial move.”
Texas was poised to score, driving to the 1-yard line, assisted by two pass-interference penalties in the end zone. However, they were unable to capitalize as Quintrevion Wisner was stopped for a 7-yard loss, and Ewers was pressured into an incomplete pass just before Sawyer’s defensive touchdown.
“Jack embodies everything we want in a captain,” Day praised. “To make such a game-changing play when it counts most… he’s solidified his legacy here at Ohio State.”
Judkins, a recent transfer from Mississippi, played a significant role by scoring on a 1-yard run, extending Ohio State’s lead to 21-14 with just over seven minutes to play. This score capped an impressive 88-yard, 13-play drive. It came after quarterback Will Howard made a pivotal fourth-and-2 conversion, stumbling his way for a surprising 18-yard gain.
Howard completed 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. This game marked his return to AT&T Stadium after leading Kansas State to victory against an undefeated TCU team in the Big 12 championship two years back. Against the Longhorns, however, he had previously struggled with a 0-3 record as a starter, including a nail-biting overtime loss last season in Austin.
Ewers finished the night with 23 completions on 39 attempts for 283 yards, throwing two touchdown passes to Jaydon Blue along with an interception. This performance may mark Ewers’ final appearance with Texas as he considers entering the NFL draft, following last season’s Big 12 championship win prior to the team’s transition to the SEC.
Ohio State kicked off the game with an early lead, as Judkins crossed the goal line on a 9-yard run. It seemed the Buckeyes were set for another rapid start, reminiscent of their previous playoff games where they once led 21-0 and 34-0.
However, Ohio State struggled for a stretch, punting on four successive drives, allowing Texas to tie the matchup at 7 with Ewers connecting with Blue on an 18-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. A crucial moment came when backup quarterback Arch Manning kept that drive alive by converting a fourth-and-1 from midfield.
After Texas’ initial touchdown, Ohio State responded swiftly with Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson turning a screen pass into a dazzling 75-yard touchdown, showcasing impressive speed and agility.
Blue managed a 26-yard touchdown reception to level the game late in the third quarter. That drive was highlighted by an impressive play from Ewers, who, while being dragged down by Sawyer, managed to find Wisner with an underhanded throw for a vital first down.
Looking ahead, while Ohio State gears up for the College Football Playoff title game, Texas can anticipate a rematch with the Buckeyes, as they are set to meet again at Ohio Stadium in the opening game of the 2025 season on August 30.
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