Ohio State Defeats Texas in Cotton Bowl

Ohio State secured a spot in the national championship game after defeating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl, marking their first appearance in four years. The Buckeyes' defense played a crucial role, stifling Texas's offense and forcing turnovers late in the game. Despite being a yard away from tying the game, Texas faltered on critical plays, including a failed goal-line toss that resulted in a loss of yardage. Ohio State's Jack Sawyer made a pivotal play with a strip-sack and subsequent touchdown return, cementing his legacy in Buckeye history. Coach Steve Sarkisian pointed to execution errors in the critical moments as key factors in the Longhorns' defeat. The matchup sets up an anticipated game against Notre Dame for the championship title.