Nobody was as emotional as DB Jack Sawyer when Ohio State lost their fourth straight game against Michigan earlier this season. Listen to what he said after going 13-10 in his 0-4 season against the Wolverines — “They’re not f—— planting a flag on our f—– field again.” He had to be restrained! But let bygones be bygones. The Cotton Bowl victory erased the past grudges as a former Michigan standout commends Sawyer’s outstanding performance. 

National Championship QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan’s first round product to the Minnesota Vikings, gave credit where it’s due. On his Instagram story on January 12, he posted a video of Jack Sawyer describing what was on his mind during his touchdown. “S— I guess just don’t fall like Will did,” the 6’5, 260-pound OSU weapon blurted out and chuckled. McCarthy must’ve had a laugh too before adding the caption, “All jokes aside, proud of you fam @jacksawyer40.” 

Jack Sawyer brought a disaster upon Steve Sarkisian and Texas in the final minutes of the last quarter! The Longhorns had a chance to tie the game to 14-14 in the final minutes against OSU inside AT&T Stadium. Instead, they fumbled their opportunity on a fourth-and-goal at the Buckeyes’ 1-yard line with just two minutes remaining. And Sawyer maximized the Buckeyes’ productivity in their double-touchdown victory in the CFP semifinals.

Sawyer came in hard and sacked his former Columbus roommate QB Quinn Ewers for a forced fumble. He then recovered it to return 83 yards for a touchdown capping the final score at 24-14. The 22-year-old Buckeyes senior was honored for his performance following the game by earning the Defensive Most Outstanding Player award. All in all, it was a wrap for Ohio State after coming close to where they are now in 2022 and 2023. 

A victory to remember for Ohio State

Much credit is to be given to Ohio State’s defense in their impressive Cotton Bowl victory. The Buckeyes limited Texas’ points to 14 by shutting them out in the second half. The offense also shone under Will Howard who completed 24-of-33 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown despite sustaining an injury to his non-throwing hand. Ryan Day will now get a chance to redeem himself from that earlier Michigan fall with a final victory. 

With this win, Ohio State delivered a stinging blow to the SEC, knocking them out of the CFP semifinals for the second straight season. Now, they’re en-route to change what happened at the 2021 National Championship game against Alabama. Only this time, they’ll be facing Marcus Freeman and his independent Notre Dame who eliminated Penn State in the Orange Bowl CFP semifinals.

Ohio State showed dominance in their playoff performance and they’re a favorite to win the natty. Whose side are you on?