Ohio State secured a 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame on January 20, 2025. Notre Dame vs. Ohio State LIVE National Championship can be heard on 92.9 FM ESPN (680 AM), Memphis' Home for the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins in the first quarter. Texas responded late in the second quarter when quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with Jaydon Blue for an 18-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7. However, Ohio State quickly regained the lead before halftime with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to TreVeyon Henderson, making it 14-7.
In the third quarter, Texas tied the game again with another Ewers-to-Blue touchdown pass. The Buckeyes responded in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Judkins, putting them ahead 21-14. A pivotal moment occurred with just over two minutes remaining when Ohio State's Jack Sawyer forced a fumble from Ewers on a fourth-and-goal play. Sawyer recovered the fumble and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Buckeyes' victory.
Ewers finished the game with 283 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Ohio State's defense was instrumental in the win, particularly with Sawyer's game-changing play. The Buckeyes now advance to face Notre Dame in the national title game, seeking their sixth national championship.