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A Moment to Remember: Jack Sawyer’s Heroics Propel Ohio State to Victory In the Cotton Bowl 28-14

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Photo Credit: Sonya Hoover

Dallas, TX—Jack Sawyer etched his name into Ohio State football history with a game-sealing play that will be remembered long after his collegiate career. In a dramatic 28-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, Sawyer stripped Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers—his former roommate—and returned the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown.

The victory not only secured the Buckeyes’ place in the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game but also gave them a shot at their sixth AP national championship.

“We talked before the game about what it takes to leave a legacy, and that’s becoming a legend,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Tonight, some guys on this team started writing their legend. Now, they’ve got 10 more days to finish their story with one more win.”

A Historic Play

Sawyer’s pivotal moment came with just over two minutes remaining. On fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, he sacked Ewers, forcing the ball loose. Seizing the opportunity, Sawyer scooped it up and sprinted 83 yards to the opposite end zone—the longest fumble return in CFP history.

“I saw the ball pop out right in front of me,” Sawyer recounted. “I just thought, ‘Stay on your feet.’ I almost blacked out when I saw all that green grass ahead of me.”

Sawyer’s connection with Ewers added extra intrigue. The two were roommates during Ewers’ brief stint at Ohio State before the quarterback transferred back to Texas. Despite their friendship, Sawyer’s play effectively ended Texas’ hopes of advancing.

Photo Credit: Sonya Hoover

“I felt him coming but thought I could get the ball off in time,” Ewers admitted. “Watching Jack run it back was tough—he’s a great player who made a huge play.”

A Balanced Effort

Ohio native Sawyer and running back Quinshon Judkins led the Buckeyes (13-2) to victory. Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, rushed for two touchdowns, including a 1-yard score that capped an 88-yard drive and gave Ohio State a 21-14 lead with just over seven minutes left.

Quarterback Will Howard also played a crucial role, completing 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. On the game’s defining drive, Howard converted a fourth-and-2 with an 18-yard run, setting up Judkins’ second touchdown.

“That fourth down was huge,” Howard said with a laugh. “It was a statement drive. We needed that.”

Texas Falls Short

Texas (13-3) fought hard, with Ewers throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns to Jaydon Blue. However, the Longhorns struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, including a drive to the 1-yard line late in the game. Back-to-back defensive stands by Ohio State culminated in Sawyer’s game-clinching play.

Ewers, who could declare for the NFL draft, reflected on the team’s shortcomings. “We had our chances, but Ohio State made the big plays when it mattered most,” he said.

Photo Credit: Sonya Hoover

Fast Starts and Big Plays

Ohio State opened the game with a 9-yard touchdown run by Judkins, but the offense stalled after an early flurry. Texas tied the game just before halftime with Ewers connecting on an 18-yard strike to Blue. A highlight for the Buckeyes came when TreVeyon Henderson turned a short screen pass into a 75-yard touchdown, showcasing his speed and vision.

Blue caught a second touchdown late in the third quarter to tie the game again at 14. The drive included a spectacular escape by Ewers, who, while being dragged down by Sawyer, managed to flip the ball underhanded for a 13-yard gain.

What’s Next?

Ohio State will now face Notre Dame, the Orange Bowl champions, on Jan. 20 in Atlanta. A win would cap a remarkable season for the Buckeyes, who rebounded from a regular-season loss to rival Michigan.

Meanwhile, Texas looks ahead to the 2025 season opener, where they’ll have a chance to avenge this loss in a rematch at Ohio Stadium.

With one more game to play, the Buckeyes are on the brink of cementing their place in history. As Ryan Day put it, “This team has a chance to finish the job—and write their legacy forever.”