In a gripping Cotton Bowl match on January 9, 2025, Ohio State edged out the Texas Longhorns with a 31-28 win, thanks to a fumble return touchdown by Jack Sawyer in the final minutes of the game. The decisive moment came when Sawyer recovered the ball after Texas quarterback Malik Murphy was stripped by defensive back Jordan Hancock. Sawyer’s 45-yard return propelled the Buckeyes into the lead, capping a hard-fought battle that showcased both teams’ resilience and determination. Despite a stellar performance from Texas’ running back Jaydon Blue, who had a career-high of 150 rushing yards, the Longhorns fell just short. This victory secured Ohio State’s place in the national championship, fueling excitement among their fans as they prepare to face the reigning champions. Coach Ryan Day expressed immense pride in his team’s effort. ‘We came in with a plan and executed it perfectly,’ he stated. Meanwhile, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged his players’ efforts, saying, ‘We played hard but just couldn’t finish.’ With this win, Ohio State’s hopes are high as they look ahead to the championship game.
