Highlights of Ohio State vs. Texas: Sawyer’s scoop-and-score propels OSU to the championship game

The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal matchup between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl was nothing short of spectacular. With a spot in the National Championship game on the line, both teams came out with everything they had, battling for a chance to be crowned the best in college football. While the game was filled with dramatic moments, the defining play came late in the fourth quarter, when Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer scooped up a Texas fumble and ran it back for a touchdown, solidifying the Buckeyes’ 34-27 victory and propelling them to the National Championship.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were evenly matched. Texas, led by their explosive offense and star quarterback Quinn Ewers, gave Ohio State everything they could handle. However, it was Ohio State’s defense that came through when the Buckeyes needed it most, with Sawyer’s scoop-and-score being the game-changing moment. Let’s break down the thrilling contest, analyzing key moments and performances that ultimately led Ohio State to the win.

First Half: The Battle of Wits and Strategy

The game began with a familiar tone for both teams: a back-and-forth contest that saw both offenses showcase their strengths. Ohio State, under the direction of quarterback Kyle McCord, came out looking to establish an early rhythm. McCord, who had been steady throughout the season, was calm under pressure, making key throws to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. The Buckeyes’ running game, however, was slow to get started, with Texas’ front seven making it difficult for running backs Trevyon Henderson and Miyan Williams to find consistent yards on the ground.

Texas wasted little time answering. Quinn Ewers, known for his powerful arm and ability to make plays under pressure, came out firing. He connected with Xavier Worthy on a deep 40-yard pass, putting the Longhorns in Ohio State territory early. Ewers and the Texas offense capitalized on the momentum, moving the ball quickly with short, efficient passes and strong runs from Bijan Robinson. It was Robinson who punched in the first touchdown of the game with a 2-yard dive, giving Texas a 7-0 lead.

Ohio State responded with a methodical drive of its own. McCord was able to connect with his favorite targets, Harrison and Egbuka, to move the ball down the field. On a critical third-and-7 at the Texas 15-yard line, McCord showed his poise, delivering a perfect strike to Cade Stover for a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. The Buckeyes’ offense had finally found its footing.

The Texas offense, however, was relentless. Ewers continued to connect with his receivers, and Robinson kept Ohio State’s defense on its heels with tough runs between the tackles. The Longhorns were able to retake the lead after a drive that ate up nearly five minutes of game time. Ewers found Jordan Whittington on a short crossing route for a 5-yard touchdown, putting Texas up 14-7.

The rest of the first half became a chess match between Ohio State’s offense and Texas’ defense. The Buckeyes’ offensive line had trouble opening holes for Henderson, but McCord’s accuracy allowed Ohio State to convert a few key third downs. Ohio State’s drive stalled at the Texas 30-yard line late in the second quarter, forcing Noah Ruggles to attempt a 47-yard field goal, which he successfully made, cutting Texas’ lead to 14-10.

As the clock wound down in the first half, Ohio State’s defense found itself in a critical position: stop Texas from adding another score before the break. With Texas at the Ohio State 40-yard line, Ewers attempted to throw deep to Worthy, but Denzel Burke made an incredible play, leaping to deflect the ball away, preventing a potentially game-changing score. The first half ended with Texas holding a 14-10 lead.

Second Half: The Turnaround Begins

Coming out of halftime, Ohio State knew it had to make adjustments on both sides of the ball. The offense, while effective at times, needed to establish a more balanced attack and gain consistency in the running game. The defense, which had been solid but not spectacular in the first half, needed to find a way to limit Robinson and put pressure on Ewers.

On Ohio State’s first possession of the second half, they began to implement a more balanced offensive approach. McCord opened the drive with a 15-yard completion to Harrison, followed by a 23-yard run from Henderson that finally gave Ohio State some room to work with in the running game. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, which had struggled in the first half, started to win more battles at the line of scrimmage. After a few more key completions, McCord found Marvin Harrison Jr. in the end zone on a quick slant route for a 14-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State its first lead of the game, 17-14.

Texas, however, wasn’t ready to fold. Ewers responded by leading a quick, no-huddle offense that seemed to catch Ohio State off guard. The Longhorns methodically moved down the field, with Robinson eating up yards on the ground. However, just as Texas appeared poised to answer, disaster struck for the Longhorns.

With Texas inside Ohio State’s 10-yard line and threatening to retake the lead, Ewers dropped back to pass. Under heavy pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line, Ewers attempted a throw to his tight end Jatavious Glover, but the pass was batted at the line of scrimmage by Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. The ball sailed into the air, and just as it seemed it might hit the ground harmlessly, Jack Sawyer was there to scoop it up.

The Game-Changing Moment: Sawyer’s Scoop-and-Score

The ball was alive, and Sawyer didn’t hesitate for a second. He scooped up the loose ball on the run and darted toward the end zone, with Texas players in hot pursuit. Sawyer, who has been known for his explosive pass-rushing abilities, showcased his athleticism and speed as he broke free from the pack. With nothing but open field ahead of him, Sawyer raced 72 yards to the end zone for a touchdown, giving Ohio State a commanding 24-14 lead.

The scoop-and-score was the game’s turning point, not just because of the points it put on the board, but because it completely shifted the momentum in Ohio State’s favor. The Texas offense, which had been playing so well for most of the game, now found itself reeling from a costly mistake. The Buckeyes, fueled by Sawyer’s defensive brilliance, had a 10-point cushion and the wind at their backs.

Texas Fights Back

Despite the emotional swing, Texas wasn’t done yet. Ewers and Robinson continued to fight, pushing the Longhorns back into Ohio State territory. Texas mounted a drive that was both methodical and quick, mixing in runs from Robinson and short passes from Ewers. A big 28-yard catch-and-run from Worthy set Texas up at Ohio State’s 15-yard line, and Ewers later found Casey Cain for a 3-yard touchdown to cut Ohio State’s lead to 24-21.

With just over five minutes left in the game, Ohio State’s offense needed to respond. The Buckeyes began a long, clock-eating drive that included a mix of runs and short passes to keep Texas’ defense off balance. McCord found Egbuka for a clutch 14-yard gain on third-and-5, keeping the chains moving. Henderson and Williams wore down the Texas defense with tough, physical runs, setting up Noah Ruggles for another field goal attempt. The 40-yard attempt was good, extending Ohio State’s lead to 27-21.

Texas was now facing a six-point deficit, with less than two minutes remaining. The Longhorns had no choice but to push the ball downfield quickly. Ewers and the Texas offense worked with urgency, but Ohio State’s defense stood firm. With time running out and facing a third-and-9, Ewers was pressured once again. This time, Zach Harrison sacked the Texas quarterback, forcing the Longhorns to burn their final timeout.

On fourth-and-15, Ewers dropped back to pass and launched a deep throw toward Worthy, but it was Jahad Carter, Ohio State’s safety, who made the game-sealing interception. Carter, known for his ball-hawking skills, secured the pick and returned it for a few yards before sliding to the ground, effectively ending any hope Texas had of a comeback.

Key Performances

• Jack Sawyer: Sawyer’s scoop-and-score was the defining moment of the game, and he finished with two tackles for loss and a sack in addition to his game-changing touchdown. His ability to make plays in critical moments showed why he is one of the top defensive players in college football.
• Kyle McCord: McCord had a solid outing, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to stay composed and lead Ohio State on several key drives, particularly in the second half, was crucial to the Buckeyes’ success.
• Trevyon Henderson: Henderson finished with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping to keep the chains moving and taking pressure off McCord in the passing game.
• Quinn Ewers: Despite the loss, Ewers played admirably, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns. However, the turnover late in the game proved to be too costly for the Longhorns.
• Bijan Robinson: Robinson was a workhorse for Texas, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown. He kept the Longhorns in the game, but Ohio State’s defense made timely stops when it mattered most.