A storybook ending unfolded in the final minutes of the Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday. Unfortunately for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, he wasn’t the one with a happy ending. The game, filled with tension and excitement, saw Ewers facing off against his former team, Ohio State, in a matchup that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The pivotal moment that changed everything
With just over two minutes left in the game, Texas found themselves trailing Ohio State 28-14. The Longhorns had been making strides down the field, and it appeared they were on the verge of a comeback. They faced a crucial fourth-and-goal on Ohio State’s 8-yard line, just a play away from potentially tying the game. But then, disaster struck.
In a twist of fate, Ewers’ former roommate at Ohio State, Jack Sawyer, emerged as the hero of the night for the Buckeyes. On that pivotal play, Sawyer stripped the ball from Ewers and returned it 84 yards for a scoop-and-score touchdown, extending Ohio State’s lead to 28-14. It was a moment that not only sealed the game for the Buckeyes but also left Texas fans reeling.
Gunnar Helm and the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty
Earlier in the game, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm had a moment that could have shifted the momentum. After hauling in a 34-yard pass against Ohio State in the fourth quarter, Helm was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The officials threw the flag after Helm pointed at OSU safety Caleb Downs following a stiff arm that sent Downs to the ground.
While Texas still managed to gain a first down on that drive, the penalty loomed large. The drive ultimately ended in heartbreak for the Longhorns when Ewers fumbled on a fourth-and-goal attempt, leading to Sawyer’s scoop-and-score. Fans were left wondering how the outcome might have differed had Helm not been penalized.
Frustration for Texas fans
The moment was particularly frustrating for Texas supporters, especially considering that earlier in the game, Helm had absorbed a massive hit from Ohio State safety Sonny Styles without any flag being thrown. It’s moments like these that can make or break a game, and for Texas, this one felt like a missed opportunity.
As the final whistle blew, the Buckeyes celebrated their 28-14 victory, while the Longhorns were left to ponder what could have been. The unanswered questions lingered: What if Helm hadn’t received that penalty? What if Ewers had managed to hold onto the ball just a second longer? The “what-ifs” are part of the game, but they sting just a little more in high-stakes matchups like this.
Quinn Ewers reflects on the game
After the game, Ewers took a moment to reflect on the pivotal play that changed the course of the game. “I felt him,” he said of Sawyer. “I started drifting away. I thought I was gonna be able to get the ball off before he got there. Obviously, it’s not like I tried to give them the game. But, I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline, and it sucks, man.”
It’s a sentiment that many athletes can relate to—the feeling of letting a game slip away, especially against a former team. Ewers, who began his career at Ohio State before transferring to Texas, had a lot riding on this game. The emotions were palpable, and the stakes were high.
The legacy of the Cotton Bowl Classic
The Cotton Bowl Classic is more than just a game; it’s a stage where dreams are made and shattered. For Texas, this game was a chance to showcase their talent and resilience, but it ultimately highlighted the fine line between victory and defeat. The Longhorns will have to regroup and learn from this experience as they look ahead to future challenges.
Ohio State, on the other hand, will carry this victory with them as they continue their journey in the College Football Playoff. Their defense, led by players like Sawyer, proved to be the difference-maker in this game, showcasing the importance of defensive prowess in high-stakes situations.
As the dust settles from this thrilling Cotton Bowl Classic, fans from both sides will remember the highs and lows of the game. For Texas, it’s a lesson in perseverance and the harsh realities of college football. For Ohio State, it’s a reminder of the power of teamwork and the thrill of victory.
