(8) Ohio State 28 def. (5) Texas 14
The first round of the 12-team college football playoff didn't deliver the excitement fans hoped for, and the second week fell prey to the curse of the bye week. However, the semifinal round of the NCAA Football playoffs brought the pageantry and passion that makes college football so thrilling. Every team knew that mistakes could cost them their shot at the national championship, leaving them with nothing but disappointment.
We’ve already broken down the Orange Bowl on Thursday, and now that it’s been a few days since Texas was sent packing, let’s dive into the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, which will go down as one of the most dramatic games in playoff history.
The Journey to the Cotton Bowl
This matchup between Ohio State and Texas featured teams with very different paths to the semifinal. Texas had survived a brutal comeback attempt by the Arizona State Sun Devils, while Ohio State dominated the undefeated Oregon Ducks, proving they were a force to be reckoned with.
Led by quarterback Will Howard, who averaged 300 passing yards per game with only one playoff interception, Ohio State entered as the more polished team. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as their top offensive weapon and Ryan Day’s coaching staff addressing the mental hurdles that plagued them against Michigan, the Buckeyes seemed unstoppable.
Meanwhile, Texas was grappling with a quarterback dilemma: Quinn Ewers, the veteran starter who had led them to consecutive semifinal appearances, versus the young phenom Arch Manning, heir to the most famous quarterback dynasty in modern football. Both quarterbacks had their merits, but the pressure was on. Despite the uncertainties, both hosts of our podcast, Niko and I, confidently picked the Buckeyes to win—and they did not disappoint.
Ohio State Takes an Early Lead
The game began with Ohio State carrying its momentum from the quarterfinals. A red-zone drive led by Emeka Egbuka was capped off by Quinshon Judkins, who punched in a 9-yard touchdown. The Buckeyes led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter as both defenses dug in.
Texas' defense kept Will Howard uncomfortable, disrupting the passing game and containing the run. On the other hand, Quinn Ewers struggled to find his rhythm early. The fact that Texas trailed by only one score seemed miraculous, given their offensive struggles.
Key Moments Define the Game
Late in the first half, Ewers finally found his groove, connecting with Jaydon Blue on an 18-yard touchdown to tie the game with just 29 seconds left in the half. But Ohio State responded with a masterstroke. Texas' decision to blitz backfired when Howard unleashed a perfect screen pass to Trayveyon Henderson, who bolted 75 yards to the end zone as the clock expired. Ohio State entered halftime with a 14-7 lead.
In the third quarter, both defenses remained resolute. Ewers managed to orchestrate a low red-zone drive, eventually hitting Blue for his second touchdown, tying the game at 14-14 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.
Jack Sawyer's Game-Sealing Heroics
In the fourth quarter, Ohio State regained the lead on another Judkins touchdown, making it 21-14. Texas had one last chance, driving deep into Buckeye territory. With the ball at the 11-yard line, Ewers dropped back, scanning for an open receiver.
Enter Jack Sawyer, Ohio State’s captain and defensive star. Sawyer, who had endured the highs and lows of his career with resilience, blitzed off the edge, stripped the ball from Ewers, and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown, sealing Ohio State’s 28-14 victory and their place in the national championship game against Notre Dame.
Reflection on the Cotton Bowl
This game will be remembered for its drama, from Jack Sawyer’s heroics to the coaching chess match between Ryan Day and the Texas staff. For Texas, the future is uncertain, with Ewers likely moving on and Arch Manning poised to take over.
As fans, we should celebrate what all four semifinal teams accomplished this season. While the expanded playoff format hasn’t been perfect, it has delivered some of the best moments in college football history, and we’re guaranteed a non-SEC national champion once again.
