In the College Football Playoff semifinal held at AT&T Stadium, Ohio State’s No. 8 seed squared off against the fifth-seed Texas Longhorns. The game culminated in a thrilling 28-14 victory for the Buckeyes, placing them into the national championship game, thanks largely to a standout performance from defensive end Jack Sawyer.
Defensive Brilliance Leads to Victory
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Sawyer, a towering 6-foot-5 lineman, made a critical play by stripping the ball from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. He then showcased his speed and agility by returning the fumble a remarkable 83 yards for a touchdown, marking the longest scoop-and-score in the history of the College Football Playoff.
Sawyer’s play was pivotal in the tense final moments of a closely contested game. Earlier, Ohio State’s defense faced considerable pressure as two penalties had placed Texas on the 1-yard line, teetering on the edge of a potential game-tying score. However, the Buckeyes held firm, ultimately setting the stage for Sawyer’s moment of glory, a display of defensive tenacity that Buckeye fans will remember for years.
A Touch of Nostalgia
Interestingly, Sawyer’s strip of Ewers was the first time he had faced off against his former roommate from freshman year. Ewers, who was with Ohio State for a single season before transferring to Texas, has emerged as a formidable quarterback in collegiate football. Following the game, Sawyer shared a light-hearted moment, recounting that Ewers jokingly taunted him as they exited the field, saying, ‘Screw you,’ followed by laughter.
Coach’s Praise
Sawyer’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who praised him in the postgame interview. Day said, ‘Can’t say enough about Jack Sawyer. He’s everything that we could possibly ask for in a captain and forever a legend at Ohio State.’
Defense Wins Championships
The phrase ‘defense wins championships’ echoed through the stands following Sawyer’s play. Ohio State’s defense displayed resilience throughout the game, overcoming penalties and a powerful Texas offense to secure the win. The Buckeyes dominated early, with running back Quinshon Judkins scoring a touchdown on their first drive, followed by a solid defensive stand putting them ahead.
A shaky second half saw momentum swell towards Texas, who tied the game before Sawyer’s heroics turned the tide, effectively sealing the win. Ohio State will now advance to face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
What Lies Ahead
As Ohio State fans celebrate yet another trip to the championship game, all eyes will turn to the upcoming showdown against the Fighting Irish. Can the Buckeyes ride the wave of momentum following Sawyer’s incredible defensive display? Only time will tell.
