Ohio State and Texas met Friday night in Arlington, Texas, in the Cotton Bowl, a clash that had fans buzzing with excitement. With a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff national title game on the line, this matchup was not just another game; it was a blue-blood showdown between two storied programs. Coaches Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian faced off after guiding their teams through the first two rounds of the 12-team CFP, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
The Road to the Cotton Bowl
The Buckeyes came into this game as the hottest team in the nation, showcasing their offensive prowess by outscoring Tennessee and Oregon 83-38 in their previous two CFP games. Meanwhile, Texas had its own rollercoaster journey, blowing past Clemson in the fourth quarter before narrowly escaping Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The stakes were incredibly high, and both teams were eager to prove themselves on this grand stage.
Kickoff and Game Details
Kickoff was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Fans filled the stands, eager to witness which team would advance to face Notre Dame in the national title game on Monday, Jan. 20, in Atlanta. The atmosphere was electric, with both teams ready to leave everything on the field.
Final Score: Ohio State 28, Texas 14
As the game unfolded, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs sealed the victory by intercepting Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, ensuring the Buckeyes’ place in the national title game. The final score was a testament to Ohio State’s dominance, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Jack Sawyer’s Game-Changing Play
One of the standout moments came from Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer, who made a spectacular play by strip-sacking Ewers, returning the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown. This play not only shifted the momentum but also highlighted Sawyer’s impact on the game. Ewers and Sawyer shared a unique connection, having been roommates during Ewers’ time at Ohio State, adding a personal layer to this intense rivalry.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
With just over two minutes left in the game, Ohio State led 28-14. The Longhorns found themselves facing a critical 4th-and-Goal situation when Sawyer made his game-defining play. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Texas had attempted to rally, with Quinshon Judkins scoring a 1-yard touchdown that capped off a lengthy 13-play drive. However, Ohio State’s defense proved too formidable.
Coaches’ Insights and Strategy
Ryan Day emphasized the importance of winning the “middle eight,” referring to the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. He understood the significance of momentum in such high-stakes games. “We knew it was gonna go into the second half. So, we did a nice job here at winning the end of the first half,” Day remarked post-game.
On the other side, Steve Sarkisian noted the challenges his team faced. After a strong defensive showing, Texas allowed Ohio State to score off a screen pass in the final seconds of the first half, which proved to be a turning point. “There’s a lot of football left to be played,” he said, reflecting on the missed opportunities.
Injury Updates
Injuries played a role in the game, with Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloua returning to the field after dealing with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm faced scrutiny after a questionable unsportsmanlike conduct call. The physicality of the game was evident, as both teams battled not just each other but also the toll of the season.
Betting Odds and Predictions
As anticipation built for the national championship, Las Vegas quickly released odds for the upcoming matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame. According to FanDuel, the Buckeyes were favored by 9.5 points, with the over/under set at 47.5 points. This reflects the confidence in Ohio State’s performance throughout the playoffs.
Game Stats and Key Moments
Throughout the game, Ohio State showcased its offensive depth. Running back Quinshon Judkins opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run, and TreVeyon Henderson later added a 75-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. Texas fought back with a touchdown from Ewers to Jaydon Blue, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Buckeyes’ lead.
The first quarter ended with Ohio State leading 7-0, and they maintained that momentum throughout the game. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by playmakers like Sawyer and Tuimoloua, continually pressured Ewers, forcing critical mistakes that ultimately decided the game.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Ohio State not only secured a spot in the national title game but also solidified its status as a powerhouse in college football. As fans look forward to the championship clash against Notre Dame, the excitement continues to build. Can the Buckeyes capitalize on their momentum and bring home the championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion for college football remains as fierce as ever.
