The Stakes Were High
ARLINGTON, Tex. — The tension was palpable as Texas and Ohio State faced off in the College Football Playoff semifinal at AT&T Stadium on Friday night.
With the Longhorns on Ohio State’s 1-yard line in the final minutes of the game, it was a moment that would define their season. Texas was trailing by seven points, with only 3:56 left on the clock.
As quarterback Quinn Ewers handed the ball to running back Jerrick Gibson, the Buckeyes’ defense proved to be formidable, stuffing Gibson at the line. A failed toss play for a 7-yard loss followed, leading to a critical fourth down situation.
Turning Point of the Game
In a stunning turn of events, Ohio State’s defensive end Jack Sawyer not only sacked Ewers but also recovered the fumble, running it back for an 83-yard touchdown. This pivotal play solidified Ohio State’s 28-14 victory.
“I was just thinking, ‘I feel like I was in quicksand,’” Sawyer said post-game, reflecting on his journey to the end zone after the recovery.
Strategic Decisions Under Pressure
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian expressed regret about the final sequence of plays.
“First-and-goal on the one and we don’t score, you probably don’t deserve to win that way,” Sarkisian stated, acknowledging the missed opportunity.
Looking Ahead
The victory propels Ohio State to face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship on January 20. Meanwhile, Texas’s remarkable season concludes with a record of 13-3.
“We’ve got 232 days to think about what went wrong,” Ewers said somberly, highlighting the Longhorns’ challenging end to the season.
As the confetti fell and celebrations commenced for Ohio State, the Longhorns were left to ponder their missed chances and prepare for the future.
Conclusion
This match epitomized the intensity of college football and the impact of critical moments. What lessons will Texas take into the next season?
