ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – In a thrilling Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal on January 10, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Texas Longhorns with a score of 28-14. The win allowed Ohio State, now with a record of 13-2, to advance to the national title game, positioning them for their sixth championship title overall. This matchup took place in the same stadium where Ohio State initially became champions a decade ago during the inaugural College Football Playoff featuring four teams. The Buckeyes are now set to compete in the first-ever expanded 12-team playoff format.
The Buckeyes will face the Orange Bowl champion, Notre Dame, in Atlanta on January 20. The game was marked by a dramatic defensive play by Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, who, after forcing a fumble from Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers on a crucial fourth-and-goal situation from the 8-yard line, scooped up the loose ball and returned it an astounding 83 yards for a touchdown. This remarkable play set a record for the longest fumble return in College Football Playoff history.
Competing against his former roommate, Quinn Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State to Texas, Sawyer’s fumble return was pivotal in sealing the game's outcome. Ewers had an impressive performance, completing 23 of his 39 passes for 283 yards, which included two touchdown passes to Texas wide receiver Jaydon Blue. However, Ewers’ play ultimately fell short as the Longhorns faced their first defeat in this playoff series, marking their second consecutive semifinal loss.
Ohio State showcased a well-rounded offensive effort. Quinshon Judkins led the Buckeyes with two rushing touchdowns, including a crucial 1-yard touchdown that extended Ohio State's lead to 21-14 with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. This touchdown was set up after quarterback Will Howard converted a critical fourth-and-2 from the Texas 34-yard line, executing a daring 18-yard run that nearly culminated in a touchdown.
Will Howard's performance included 24 completions on 33 attempts for 289 yards, contributing significantly to Ohio State's offensive strategy. The Buckeyes' ability to capitalize on crucial moments and maintain defensive pressure was a decisive factor in their victory over Texas. The Longhorns had nearly found the end zone with a promising drive that reached the 1-yard line, aided by two pass-interference penalties in the end zone. Nonetheless, they could not convert when Quintrevion Wisner was tackled for a significant loss on the following play.
The intense matchup underscored not only the competitive nature of college football but also the personal dimensions of the game, illustrated by the connection between Ewers and Sawyer. As Ohio State prepares to chase their national championship dreams, the victory serves as a testament to their enduring legacy in college football.
