In a thrilling Cotton Bowl matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured a 28-14 victory over the Texas Longhorns, earning a spot in the national championship game. A pivotal moment in the game was delivered by defensive end Jack Sawyer, whose strip sack and subsequent 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown sealed the win for Ohio State.

What adds a layer of intrigue to this play is the personal history between Sawyer and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. The two were former roommates during Ewers’ brief tenure at Ohio State before his transfer to Texas. This connection was highlighted by ESPN commentator Chris Fowler during the broadcast, noting the dramatic twist of fate between the former teammates.
After the game, Sawyer spoke about the play and his respect for Ewers, stating, “I have a lot of respect for Quinn. He’s a great player and competitor. It was just one of those plays where I was able to make something happen for my team.”
Ewers, reflecting on the decisive play, acknowledged the impact of his former roommate’s actions, saying, “It’s not the way I wanted it to go, but credit to Jack for making a big-time play in a crucial moment.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Sawyer’s performance, stating, “Jack Sawyer just became an Ohio State legend tonight. His dedication, hard work, and ability to rise to the occasion have been instrumental in our success this season.”
This victory propels Ohio State into the national championship game, where they will face Notre Dame. The Buckeyes are aiming for their sixth AP national title, and performances like Sawyer’s will be crucial in their pursuit of championship glory.
For a firsthand account, here’s Quinn Ewers discussing the game-changing strip sack by Jack Sawyer:
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