Jack Sawyer of Ohio State creates a scoop-and-score touchdown against Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl, one of college football’s premier postseason games, was set to showcase two of the sport’s most storied programs—Ohio State and Texas. With the game hanging in the balance, a crucial turning point came in the second half that would seal Ohio State’s victory and secure a place in the College Football Playoff. The moment came courtesy of a sensational play from Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who made a game-changing scoop-and-score touchdown that not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also shifted the momentum in favor of the Buckeyes.
In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of Sawyer’s play, breaking down the context of the Cotton Bowl, the details of the scoop-and-score, and the broader implications of his performance for Ohio State’s championship aspirations. Additionally, we will look at Sawyer’s journey to this moment, his development as a player, and how his effort embodied Ohio State’s commitment to defense as they prepared for a potential national championship run.
The Cotton Bowl: A Classic Showdown Between Ohio State and Texas
The 2025 Cotton Bowl had all the makings of an instant classic. On one side, Ohio State, the perennial powerhouse from the Big Ten, was making its annual bid to reach the College Football Playoff under head coach Ryan Day. On the other side, Texas, led by the dynamic quarterback Quinn Ewers, was eager to prove that it belonged among college football’s elite after years of rebuilding under Steve Sarkisian.
With both teams riding impressive regular-season records, a spot in the Playoff was on the line. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides filling the stadium, anticipating what promised to be a fierce battle. The game lived up to the hype, with both teams showing their offensive and defensive prowess. But it was Ohio State’s defense that would emerge as the hero on this day, and the key moment came from a player who had quietly developed into one of the nation’s top defensive linemen: Jack Sawyer.
For most of the game, Texas had found success moving the ball through the air, with Ewers connecting with his talented receiving corps, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. The Longhorns were consistently putting pressure on Ohio State’s defense, and with each passing minute, the game seemed like it could go either way. But then, in a crucial moment that defined the second half, Jack Sawyer made a play that not only shifted the game but potentially altered the entire trajectory of Ohio State’s season.
Jack Sawyer: The Emerging Defensive Force
Before the Cotton Bowl, Jack Sawyer had already made a name for himself as one of Ohio State’s most disruptive defensive players. A former 5-star recruit, Sawyer had shown flashes of brilliance during his first few years in Columbus, but 2025 was shaping up to be his breakout season. As a defensive end, Sawyer was tasked with not only rushing the passer but also setting the edge and stopping the run. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism made him one of the most dangerous players on Ohio State’s defensive front.
Sawyer had played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s success throughout the season, tallying sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures at an impressive rate. But despite his personal success, the defensive line as a whole had faced some criticism for inconsistency, particularly in games where the team’s defense struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That all changed in the Cotton Bowl when Sawyer took it upon himself to make a defining play that would turn the tide in Ohio State’s favor.
The Scoop-and-Score: A Game-Changing Moment
The moment came early in the second half, with the game still very much in the balance. Texas had just moved the ball into Ohio State territory, and the Buckeyes were on the ropes. The Longhorns were threatening to score and possibly take the lead, putting the pressure squarely on Ohio State’s defense.
It was then that Jack Sawyer delivered one of the most memorable plays of his career. As Texas was driving down the field, Ewers dropped back to pass, looking for a quick strike to extend his team’s momentum. He stepped up in the pocket, ready to release the ball, when disaster struck. Ohio State’s defensive line, relentless all game long, managed to collapse the pocket around him. Sawyer, using his superior athleticism and instincts, broke free from his blocker and lunged at the quarterback just as Ewers prepared to throw.
Sawyer’s hit was textbook: a swift strike to the ball, knocking it loose from Ewers’ hands. The ball sailed backward, and in an instant, Sawyer reacted, scooping up the fumble with his hands and immediately taking off down the field. With the ball securely in his grasp, Sawyer turned his speed up a notch, racing toward the end zone with a clear path ahead of him.
As he charged forward, Texas defenders scrambled to catch him, but Sawyer’s quickness and agility were too much for them to handle. He hurdled a would-be tackler, maintaining his balance and momentum. Finally, with a crowd roaring in the background and defenders closing in, Sawyer crossed into the end zone, completing the scoop-and-score touchdown. The stadium erupted in celebration, and Ohio State had suddenly seized control of the game.
Breaking Down the Play: A Defensive Masterpiece
The scoop-and-score by Jack Sawyer was more than just a fortunate play—it was a testament to his preparation, athleticism, and instincts. Let’s break down what made this play so remarkable:
- Pressure on the Quarterback: The defensive line’s relentless pressure on Quinn Ewers throughout the game played a pivotal role in forcing the fumble. Sawyer, along with his teammates, did not allow Ewers to settle into a rhythm in the pocket. The collapse of the offensive line in that moment was the result of Ohio State’s consistent effort to disrupt Texas’ offense.
- The Hit on the Quarterback: Sawyer’s ability to disengage from his blocker and get to Ewers in time to strip the ball was a reflection of his refined technique and pass-rushing skills. At full speed, making a hit like that takes precision, and Sawyer executed it flawlessly.
- The Fumble Recovery: Once the ball was knocked loose, Sawyer’s quick reactions allowed him to recover the ball and immediately transition into a full sprint. Many players would hesitate or fumble the recovery attempt, but Sawyer’s hands were sure, and he knew exactly what to do with the ball once he had possession.
- The Run to the End Zone: As a defensive lineman, it’s rare to see a player as big and powerful as Sawyer make such a long run to the end zone. But Sawyer’s athleticism shone through. He not only had the speed to outrun Texas’ defenders but also the vision to weave through traffic and avoid tacklers.
This play demonstrated Sawyer’s growth as a player and the continued evolution of Ohio State’s defense under Ryan Day. It was a moment that highlighted both individual skill and team effort, with the defensive line generating pressure, the secondary playing solid coverage, and Sawyer capitalizing on an opportunity to make a game-changing play.
The Impact on the Game and Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes
The touchdown by Jack Sawyer shifted the momentum dramatically in Ohio State’s favor. The Buckeyes had been battling to maintain their lead, but with the score now 28-17, Texas found itself on the backfoot. Sawyer’s scoop-and-score not only gave Ohio State a comfortable lead but also served as a psychological blow to the Longhorns, who were left reeling after what had been a promising drive.
Following Sawyer’s touchdown, the Ohio State defense continued to play with intensity, forcing Texas into difficult situations. Ewers, who had been effective earlier in the game, began to struggle under the pressure, and Texas was unable to recover from the momentum shift. Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, was able to capitalize on the improved field position, adding more points to the scoreboard to ultimately secure a 35-24 victory.
The win was pivotal for Ohio State, as it secured their place in the College Football Playoff, where they would face even more daunting competition. However, the play by Sawyer in the Cotton Bowl could be the defining moment that boosts the Buckeyes’ defensive confidence heading into the postseason. As one of the top contenders for the national title, Ohio State’s defense needed to prove that it could make plays in critical moments, and Sawyer’s scoop-and-score was the perfect example of their potential.
Jack Sawyer’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score will likely go down as one of the defining moments of the 2025 season for Ohio State. Not only did it showcase his skill and determination, but it also symbolized the team’s overall defensive resilience. As a player who has evolved from a highly-touted recruit to one of the country’s top defensive players, Sawyer’s performance is a testament to his growth and the development of Ohio State’s defensive unit under Ryan Day.
Looking ahead, Sawyer’s performance in the Cotton Bowl is a reminder of the importance of defense in high-stakes games. In the College Football Playoff, where every game could be the difference between a championship and an early exit, plays like the one Sawyer made will be crucial. His ability to step up when the game was on the line proves that Ohio State has a legitimate chance to go all the way this season.
As Sawyer continues to develop, he will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch for Ohio State, both in the Playoff and potentially in the NFL in the future. But for now, his scoop-and-score touchdown against Texas will remain a shining moment in his college football career—one that helped secure a pivotal victory for Ohio State on their path to a national championship.
