Championship Bound: Late turnover, touchdown propel Ohio State to Cotton Bowl victory

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Ohio State’s stout goal line defense came up with a crucial turnover and touchdown late in the fourth quarter to advance the Buckeyes into the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

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Ohio State defeated the Texas Longhorns 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl and will play for a national championship for the first time since 2020.

Standout defensive end Jack Sawyer forced Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers to fumble on a critical fourth down with Texas inside the Ohio State 10-yard-line. Sawyer scooped-and-scored after picking up the loose ball and ran 83 yards into the endzone to put the Buckeyes up for good.

The Buckeyes advance to the National Championship game against Notre Dame, which will be played on Monday, January 20 in Atlanta. Notre Dame, led by Wayne High School graduate Marcus Freeman, beat Penn State in the Orange Bowl Thursday 27-24.

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Offensively, the Buckeyes were led by strong performances from the running backs, both in the running game and passing game. The dynamic duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Jenkins scored all three offensive touchdowns. Henderson scored a 75 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Howard while Jenkins ran for two touchdowns.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine congratulated the team on social media.

Congratulations to the @OhioStateFB on their victory over @TexasFootball in the @CottonBowlGame! Fran and I are ready to cheer you on in the national championship!! #GoBucks https://t.co/hYhUC8KMBe
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) January 11, 2025