An analyst expresses concern over Texas football’s significant error against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

The 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic between Ohio State and Texas was a game that delivered on all fronts: high drama, intense competition, and pivotal moments that would influence the course of the College Football Playoff. For Texas, the matchup represented an opportunity to prove itself as a legitimate contender among the nation’s elite football programs. However, despite a valiant effort throughout the game, a significant error late in the contest would prove costly for the Longhorns. The mistake ultimately shifted the momentum in Ohio State’s favor, and the Buckeyes would capitalize on this to secure a hard-fought victory.

As analysts and fans dissected the game, one key error by Texas—one that turned the tide of the contest—drew considerable attention. The error was not simply a missed opportunity but a catastrophic mistake at a critical juncture. A fumble on a pivotal Texas drive in the second half directly resulted in a scoop-and-score touchdown by Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, a play that would give the Buckeyes an insurmountable lead and ultimately seal the win. In this article, we will explore the nature of this error, how it impacted Texas’ chances, and why the Longhorns must learn from it if they are to reach the next level in college football.

The Build-Up: Texas and Ohio State’s Clash in the Cotton Bowl

Before the game, expectations were high for both Texas and Ohio State. Texas entered the Cotton Bowl with a 10-2 record and a high-powered offense led by sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers, who had impressed all season long. Texas also boasted one of the most talented wide receiver corps in the country, featuring the likes of Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, who had been crucial in the Longhorns’ success. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, known for his offensive acumen, was expected to provide the necessary strategy to challenge Ohio State’s elite defense.

Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, was equally motivated to make a statement in this contest. The Buckeyes came into the game with a similarly impressive 11-1 record, and their defense—anchored by star players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Denzel Burke—had been dominant throughout the season. Despite a few minor struggles, particularly in some early-season games, Ohio State was considered one of the top teams in the country, and a win in the Cotton Bowl would solidify their place in the College Football Playoff.

The game lived up to the hype, as both teams came out firing. Texas had some early success, moving the ball efficiently through the air with Ewers finding his targets, and Ohio State responded with a balanced offensive attack. As the second half unfolded, the game was still very much in the balance, with Texas holding onto a slight lead. The Longhorns seemed poised to make a statement on national television—until an untimely error would completely alter the course of the game.

The Critical Error: The Fumble That Turned the Tide

With the score tied at 21-21 and Texas driving deep into Ohio State territory, the Longhorns had a golden opportunity to take control of the game. The momentum was in their favor, and the Buckeyes’ defense appeared to be on its heels. Quinn Ewers had orchestrated a well-executed drive, finding Xavier Worthy for a key gain and Bijan Robinson for several chunk runs to move the ball downfield. The Longhorns were just a few yards away from the end zone, and a touchdown would put them up by a score with time winding down in the third quarter.

But disaster struck.

On first-and-goal from Ohio State’s 6-yard line, Ewers dropped back to pass. Under pressure from Ohio State’s relentless defensive line, Ewers stepped up in the pocket, looking for a quick throw to one of his targets. As he began to release the ball, Jack Sawyer, who had been quietly dominant throughout the game, managed to break through the offensive line and make a crucial hit on Ewers just as he was about to throw.

The ball came loose in a split second, and Sawyer, ever the opportunist, reacted immediately. He scooped the ball up in mid-air, taking possession and immediately turning upfield. In the blink of an eye, Sawyer was sprinting toward the opposite end zone with nothing but open space between him and the goal line. Texas defenders scrambled to make a play, but Sawyer’s quickness and determination allowed him to cross into the end zone untouched, giving Ohio State a 28-21 lead and flipping the momentum in their favor.

The mistake was critical for Texas, as it not only resulted in a sudden and unexpected 7-point swing but also shifted the energy in the stadium. Ohio State’s defense, already known for its ability to make plays when needed most, now had the confidence and the lead. The emotional and psychological toll of the fumble was evident on the Texas sideline as the Longhorns tried to regain composure.

The Analyst’s Concern: The Cost of the Mistake

For analysts watching the game, the fumble by Quinn Ewers was a pivotal moment that raised serious concerns about Texas’ readiness for the highest levels of competition. While the Longhorns had played a solid game up until that point, the error was an avoidable mistake that had massive consequences. Let’s break down why this mistake was so costly and how it exposed some critical flaws in Texas’ execution.

1. Lack of Protection in the Pocket

One of the key reasons the fumble occurred was the lack of protection in the pocket for Quinn Ewers. While Ewers was certainly under duress throughout the game from Ohio State’s defensive front, the fact that he was pressured on such a crucial play was a glaring issue. Texas’ offensive line, which had been solid all season, struggled to handle Ohio State’s pass rush in key moments. The defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, was able to consistently get into the backfield, creating pressure on Ewers and forcing him into uncomfortable situations.

At this level of competition, allowing a defender to hit the quarterback while he’s in the pocket during a critical moment is inexcusable. The fumble was not just the result of Ewers making a poor decision or failing to protect the ball; it was also indicative of a breakdown in offensive line protection. If Texas is to compete at the highest level, they will need to ensure that their offensive line can protect their quarterback and allow him the time to execute plays in the red zone, especially in high-pressure situations like this one.

2. Inability to Capitalize on Opportunities

Another significant concern raised by the fumble was Texas’ inability to capitalize on opportunities when the game was in their favor. The Longhorns had built momentum with an effective offensive drive, and a touchdown would have put them in a prime position to take the lead and control the game. However, instead of converting that opportunity into a go-ahead score, the fumble not only wiped out the potential points but also handed Ohio State a quick and easy score in the opposite direction.

This is where a team’s mental fortitude and ability to execute under pressure come into play. Top-tier programs like Ohio State have the ability to seize these moments and turn mistakes into victories. For Texas, this moment was a missed opportunity to prove that they could execute in the clutch. While their offense had moved the ball effectively for most of the game, this mistake showed that they still had some growing to do in terms of taking advantage of key moments.

3. The Psychological Effect

From a psychological standpoint, the fumble had a significant emotional impact on Texas. As the game unfolded, the Longhorns had been fighting tooth and nail to keep pace with the Buckeyes. They had the confidence to drive the ball and score when necessary. However, the fumble took the wind out of their sails. The Texas sideline went from an atmosphere of controlled intensity to one of disbelief and frustration.

Ohio State, on the other hand, was energized by the sudden change in momentum. The scoop-and-score touchdown by Sawyer not only gave them the lead but also injected a fresh dose of adrenaline into the entire team. This is the kind of momentum shift that championship teams can capitalize on, and it’s often difficult for opponents to recover once the tide turns in such a dramatic way.

Moving Forward: Texas Must Learn from the Mistake

The mistake in the Cotton Bowl was costly for Texas, but it doesn’t define their future. The Longhorns still have a talented roster, a capable coaching staff, and the ability to compete at the highest level. However, if they are to make the leap to national championship contention, they will need to learn from moments like this and use them as stepping stones for improvement.

1. Better Protection for Ewers: The offensive line must tighten up its protection, particularly in critical situations. Quinn Ewers is a talented quarterback, but he needs time in the pocket to make plays. Texas must address the issues in pass protection if they are to succeed in future high-stakes games.
2. Mental Toughness in Key Moments: Texas must develop the mental toughness to stay focused and execute when the pressure mounts. The fumble showed that, despite their talent, the Longhorns still have work to do in terms of handling adversity. In big games, it’s not just about physical ability—it’s about composure.
3. Execution in the Red Zone: Texas had a chance to score and take control of the game but faltered at a critical moment. This is a recurring theme for many teams at the highest level. If Texas wants to compete for championships, they must execute in the red zone without errors, especially when facing teams as well-coached as Ohio State.