Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, top, runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, bottom, during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State secured a 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, powered by Quinshon Judkins' two touchdowns and a pivotal defensive play from Jack Sawyer, who returned a fumble 83 yards for a game-sealing score. With this win, the Buckeyes (13-2) advance to the national championship, chasing their sixth title in program history.
This semifinal triumph took place at the same venue where Ohio State claimed the inaugural College Football Playoff title a decade ago. Now, they aim to become the first champion in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format. Their next challenge will be against Orange Bowl champion Notre Dame in Atlanta on January 20.
Sawyer’s game-defining play came late in the fourth quarter. On a crucial fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, he stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, scooped up the fumble, and rumbled 83 yards to the end zone with just over two minutes remaining. The play marked the longest fumble return in CFP history and cemented Ohio State’s path to the title game.
Interestingly, Sawyer and Ewers share a history as former roommates during their brief overlap at Ohio State before Ewers transferred to Texas. Despite leading the Longhorns (13-3) to back-to-back playoff semifinals, Ewers now faces uncertainty about his future, with a potential NFL draft declaration looming.
Texas found themselves in a promising position earlier in the game, reaching the 1-yard line thanks to back-to-back pass-interference calls. However, a costly 7-yard loss on a Quintrevion Wisner run stalled their momentum.
Judkins added to Ohio State’s dominance with a 1-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, capping off a drive that included a critical fourth-and-2 conversion by quarterback Will Howard. Howard, who finished 24-of-33 for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception, showcased resilience throughout the game.
Ewers, meanwhile, completed 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards, including two touchdowns to receiver Jaydon Blue, and one interception. Blue’s 26-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter brought Texas back into contention, but Ohio State’s defense held firm in the final moments.
The game began with promise for the Buckeyes, who scored on their opening drive through a 9-yard Judkins run. However, their offense stalled with four consecutive punts, allowing Texas to tie the game just before halftime with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Blue. Backup quarterback Arch Manning made a brief but crucial appearance during the drive, converting a fourth-and-1 with an 8-yard keeper.
Ohio State regained the lead immediately after Texas’ first score, as TreVeyon Henderson turned a short pass into a spectacular 75-yard touchdown, navigating a well-formed wall of blockers. Despite Blue’s second touchdown tying the game again in the third quarter, the Buckeyes responded decisively in the final period.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State now prepares to face Notre Dame in the national championship, seeking to make history in the revamped playoff format. Meanwhile, Texas will await a highly anticipated rematch with the Buckeyes in their 2025 season opener at Ohio Stadium on August 30.
