With 3:54 left in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic, the tension was palpable. Texas found themselves in a prime position, first-and-goal on Ohio State‘s 1-yard line. Fans held their breath, hoping for a triumphant finish. But the Longhorns’ play-calling in this crucial moment would soon come under scrutiny.
Texas’ Red Zone Struggles
On first down, Texas opted for a straightforward approach, handing the ball off to Jerrick Gibson for a run up the middle. Unfortunately, it resulted in no gain. Instead of sticking to the ground game, Texas decided to switch gears. But was this the right move?
On second down, the Longhorns attempted a sweep with Quintrevion Wisner to the left, only to see it backfire with a loss of seven yards. The pressure was mounting, and on third down, they turned to the passing game. However, a pass intended for Ryan Wingo fell incomplete, leaving the Longhorns with one final shot.
Disaster struck on fourth down. Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer made a game-changing play, stripping quarterback Quinn Ewers and returning the fumble for a touchdown. Just like that, the momentum shifted, and Texas’ hopes of a comeback began to fade.
Reflections on the Game
The aftermath of that pivotal red zone drive left many questioning the Longhorns’ strategy. On Saturday, ESPN’s Rece Davis weighed in on Texas’ questionable play calls during that crucial moment. “You could tell they didn’t have confidence to get any push, and understandably so. They hadn’t gotten any,” Davis remarked. “But then they brought in heavy personnel. On the first one, they got stuffed. I think I would have tried it two more times. And then if you have to go all or nothing, you know what, you wound up all or nothing anyway.”
The failed drive was more than just a missed opportunity; it was the nail in Texas’ coffin. With the scoop-and-score, Ohio State secured a commanding 28-14 lead. In a desperate attempt to rally, Quinn Ewers threw an interception on the third play of Texas’ next drive, sealing the fate of the Longhorns as Ohio State ran out the clock.
Ohio State’s Dominance
While Davis believes the outcome could’ve been different with a few different plays in the red zone, he remained confident that the Buckeyes deserved the win. “To me, clearly the better team won the game because everything was so much harder for Texas to get done,” he stated. “Ohio State often seemed to be their own worst enemy, whether it was TreVeyon Henderson’s unsportsmanlike conduct, or a holding penalty, or whatever it was — Ohio State stopped themselves a little bit more than Texas stopped them.”
Despite some self-inflicted wounds, Ohio State showcased their talent and resilience throughout the game. They demonstrated that they could overcome adversity and seize control when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead: National Championship Showdown
Now, the Buckeyes are gearing up for a monumental challenge. On January 20, they will face off against Notre Dame in the National Championship at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup promises to be an electrifying showdown, as both teams have proven their mettle throughout the season.
“Ohio State, you know, not invincible. We’ve seen them lose twice. We’ve seen them lose to an average team, and they’re going to play a much better team in the championship game, but they’re the class of college football,” Davis added. “They’re the team that should win the national championship, and they’ve probably been the class of the sport.”
As the anticipation builds, fans are left wondering: Can Ohio State rise to the occasion and claim the title? Or will Notre Dame pull off an upset and leave their mark on college football history? One thing is for sure: the stage is set for an unforgettable clash.
The Cotton Bowl Classic showcased the highs and lows of college football, reminding us all why we love this sport. From the thrilling plays to the heart-wrenching moments, every game tells a story. And as we look forward to the National Championship, the excitement is palpable. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: college football never fails to deliver drama and passion.
