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Published on January 13, 2025
Ohio State Eyes 6th National Title After Defeating Texas 28-14 in CFP Semifinal ShowdownSource: Maize & Blue Nation, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ohio State is teeing up to potentially snatch their 6th national title following a shaky but ultimately successful 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal. The win wasn't just a number on a scoreboard; it was a story of resilience and tightly-clinched opportunities that are earmarked for a place in Ohio football lore. As noted by Click2Houston, Ohio State coach Ryan Day cast the limelight on the legends being forged within the team ranks: "We talked before the game about how do you leave a legacy is to become your old legend. And there’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history."

What was intended to be just another match quickly morphed into a pitch for redemption, spurred by the significant plays of Ohio native Jack Sawyer. Sawyer managed to disrupt a potential Texas score by driving fiercely towards Ewers, his former roommate, forcing a fumble. He proceeded to run back the ball 83 yards in a display of outright determination, scoring a touchdown that would help to decisively cement Ohio State’s lead. As CBS Austin reported, Sawyer's play marked the longest fumble return in CFP history, a statistic as notable as it is record-breaking.

Underpinning Ohio State's push was Quinshon Judkins, who plunged into the end zone not once, but twice. Despite facing a robust Texas front, Judkins persisted, with his second touchdown setting the pace for the final stretch. Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard deserves his plaudits as well, throwing for an impressive 289 yards and delivering on a crucial fourth-and-2 scenario that underscored the Buckeyes’ unwavering competitive spirit.

But to only speak of offensive flair would be to utterly ignore the tension woven throughout the match. Texas, helmed by Ewers, equally staged a fervent challenge, even looking poised to capture at least an equal share of the spotlight before Sawyer’s game-defining moment. Ewers', as told by Click2Houston, admitted feeling the pressure: "I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there." The crushing reality unfolded differently, as Sawyer's subsequent dash to the end zone inevitably left the Texas team to regroup and look towards its future in the SEC.

Ohio State now strides with eyes fixed on the prize – a national title game against Orange Bowl champions Notre Dame, slated for January 20 in Atlanta. The march towards this showdown echoes loudly within the corridors of the Big Ten Buckeyes, especially after the sting of the loss to Michigan last November. There’s a singular focus that resonates with the sentiment echoed by Ryan Day, glorified by a near-legendary play that could redefine Ohio State football for years to come. As for Texas, a return match beckons on the Ohio turf come August 30, when they next lace up against the Buckeyes.