The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Texas Longhorns 28-14 in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday night inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The win propels Ohio State into the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to play Notre Dame.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with a Texas drive that made its way into Ohio State territory. However, Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns were turned away on a 4th and 3 play at the 36-yard line.
On the ensuing drive, Ohio State struck first. After 10 plays and 64 yards, Quinshon Judkins scored from nine yards out. That made it 7-0 Ohio State.
After that score, the punt fest began. Eight straight punts would follow, as neither offense could stay in a rhythm. At one point, six consecutive drives totaled 16 yards or less.
Towards the end of the half, Texas finally responded. A seven play, 59 yard drive ended with an 18 yard connection from Ewers to Jaydon Blue to tie the game at 7. However, that tie was extremely short-lived. A 75-yard screen pass on the first play of the Ohio State drive was scored by TreVeyon Henderson, giving the Buckeyes the 14-7 halftime lead.
After a couple of punts, Texas put together the game-tying drive. A 12 play, 67 yard march ended with another Ewers touchdown to Blue. That tied it at 14, where it would stay until the fourth quarter.
Down the stretch, the Buckeyes found their championship drive. 13 plays and 88 yards later, Judkins plunged in from one yard out to make it 21-14 Buckeyes.
After Texas drove down and had goal to go, Jack Sawyer stripped Ewers and returned it for an 83 yard scoop and score touchdown to make it 28-14 Buckeyes.
An interception by Caleb Downs on the next possession clinched the victory for the Buckeyes.
BIG NUMBER: 83
The 83-yard scoop and score clinched the win for the Buckeyes. Sawyer came through when they needed a play on defense.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jack Sawyer
Fitting that one of the Buckeyes’ best defensive players came through with the play that sealed their trip to the championship game.
UP NEXT: Ohio State and Notre Dame will face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 20th.