In a dramatic College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal at the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the Texas Longhorns with a 28-14 victory, securing a spot in the national championship game.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer strip-sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, his former roommate, returning the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown.
Ewers and Sawyer shared a unique history, having been roommates during Ewers’ tenure at Ohio State before he transferred to Texas. Their familiarity added an intriguing layer to the matchup. Late in the fourth quarter, with Texas trailing 21-14 and facing a fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, Ewers dropped back to pass. Sawyer broke through the offensive line, executed a strip-sack, and recovered the fumble, returning it for a touchdown that sealed the Buckeyes’ victory.
After the game, Sawyer recounted a lighthearted exchange with Ewers. “He was walking off and said, ‘Screw you,’ and started laughing. That’s my boy,” Sawyer shared, highlighting the camaraderie between the two athletes despite the high-stakes competition.
Ewers, who completed 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, acknowledged Sawyer’s exceptional play. “I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there,” Ewers said. “I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. … Jack’s a good player, made a great play.”
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also recognized the impact of Ohio State’s defensive prowess. “They took it four quarters. And they had a great season,” Sarkisian noted, acknowledging the Buckeyes’ relentless effort throughout the game.
The Buckeyes’ victory was further bolstered by running back Quinshon Judkins, who … and quarterback Will Howard, who threw for 289 yards and maintained the drive that led to a key touchdown. Ohio State’s defense, led by Sawyer, played a crucial role in limiting Texas’ offensive production.
With this win, Ohio State advanced to the CFP national championship game, where they are set to face Notre Dame. The Buckeyes aim to secure their sixth Associated Press national title, adding to the significance of their victory over Texas.
The game not only highlighted the athletic prowess of both teams but also underscored the personal narratives interwoven through college football, exemplified by the matchup between former roommates Ewers and Sawyer. Their on-field encounter, culminating in a game-defining play, added a compelling storyline to an already intense playoff battle.
As Ohio State prepares for the championship game, the contributions of players like Sawyer and the experiences shared among teammates and former teammates continue to shape the dynamic and storied landscape of college football.
