BUCKEYES PUNCH TICKET TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH THRILLING 28-14 COTTON BOWL WIN OVER TEXAS
Arlington, TX – In a heart-stopping, back-and-forth affair, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, securing a spot in the National Championship Game with a 28-14 win. The game’s decisive moment came with just minutes remaining, as Texas, trailing by seven, had first-and-goal from the one-yard line. However, in a stunning turn of events, Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers of the football, scooped it up, and sprinted 83 yards for the game-clinching touchdown.
The play sent shockwaves throughout AT&T Stadium, with the Buckeyes’ sideline erupting in jubilation. For Texas, the sequence was a crushing blow, one that ultimately sealed their fate.
“I’m still trying to process what just happened,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “We had the game right where we wanted it, and…it just didn’t go our way. Credit to Ohio State’s defense for making the play.”
Sarkisian’s play-calling on the goal line has come under scrutiny, with many questioning the decision to call a quarterback sneak on third-and-goal from the one.
“Hindsight is 20/20,” Sarkisian said. “We thought we had the right play called, but it didn’t work out. You’ve got to give Ohio State credit for making the stop.”
For Ohio State, the victory marks a triumphant return to the National Championship Game. The Buckeyes will face off against the winner of the Orange Bowl in the title game.
“This is an incredible feeling,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Our guys played their hearts out tonight, and it’s a testament to their hard work and dedication. We’re thrilled to be moving on to the National Championship Game.”
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns, while Texas’s Quinn Ewers threw for 192 yards and a score.
In the end, it was the Buckeyes’ defense that proved to be the difference-maker. Ohio State held Texas to just 14 points, despite the Longhorns’ offense gaining 342 total yards.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Ohio State defensive back Ronnie Hickman. “But our defense stepped up and made the plays when it mattered most. We’re thrilled to be moving on to the National Championship Game.”
As for Texas, the loss marks a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season. The Longhorns will regroup and look to build on this year’s progress in the offseason.
“We’re proud of our guys for the way they fought tonight,” Sarkisian said. “We’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger next year.”
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