Breaking News: Ohio State overcomes mistakes, makes late defensive play to beat Texas 28-14 in Cotton Bowl, advance to CFP title game….

Breaking News: Ohio State Overcomes Mistakes, Makes Late Defensive Play to Beat Texas 28-14 in Cotton Bowl, Advance to CFP Title Game

In a thrilling and hard-fought contest at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, the Ohio State Buckeyes overcame a series of early mistakes and a determined Texas Longhorns squad to secure a 28-14 victory, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. While the Buckeyes’ victory was far from smooth, their ability to capitalize on critical moments and make a late-game defensive stand ultimately propelled them to victory.

A Game of Mistakes and Momentum Shifts

The game started in dramatic fashion with both teams showing the intensity and grit that had defined their seasons. Ohio State, entering the game as one of the favorites to win the national championship, faced early adversity. The Buckeyes committed several uncharacteristic mistakes—an interception, missed tackles, and an unforced fumble—that gave Texas the upper hand in the first half.

The Longhorns capitalized on these errors, with quarterback Quinn Ewers playing with confidence and precision. Ewers led Texas down the field in the opening drives, including a well-executed touchdown pass to wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who made an impressive catch in the corner of the end zone to give Texas an early 7-0 lead.

Ohio State, however, was quick to respond. Quarterback Kyle McCord began to settle into the game, connecting with star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 50-yard gain that set up a touchdown run by Miyan Williams to tie the game at 7-7. The game then became a battle of attrition, with both defenses struggling at times but still making key stops when needed. By halftime, the score was knotted at 14-14, as both teams exchanged punches in what seemed like a typical playoff-caliber matchup.

The Turning Point: Ohio State’s Late Defensive Stand

After a somewhat sloppy first half, Ohio State came out with more focus in the third quarter, but the game still felt like it was up for grabs. Texas, led by Ewers, continued to move the ball effectively. The Longhorns were threatening to take control late in the third, driving into Ohio State’s red zone with the game tied at 14.

However, Ohio State’s defense, which had been vulnerable throughout much of the contest, finally made the play that would shift the momentum. With the Longhorns in a goal-line situation, **defensive back Jahmyr Johnson stepped up and intercepted a pass from Ewers intended for Worthy in the end zone. It was a crucial play that completely deflated Texas’ momentum and breathed new life into the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes didn’t waste the opportunity. Behind a strong drive led by McCord, they moved the ball deep into Texas territory. A series of short passes and hard running from TreVeyon Henderson set up a go-ahead touchdown, with McCord finding tight end Cade Stover in the back of the end zone for a 6-yard score. Ohio State now led 21-14, and the Longhorns seemed to be running out of answers.

The Final Nail in the Coffin

Texas still had plenty of time to mount a comeback, but the Buckeyes’ defense, which had struggled early on, was now playing with confidence. The Longhorns’ offense, frustrated by the interception and a lack of protection from the offensive line, failed to generate any significant momentum on their next possession.

With just over 4 minutes left in the game, Texas was forced to go for it on a critical 4th-and-3 situation at their own 45-yard line. **Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg came up with a game-sealing sack, dropping Ewers for a loss and giving Ohio State the ball back with great field position. The Buckeyes took over at the Texas 47-yard line and, after a few hard runs by Henderson, had set themselves up for a final dagger.

On 3rd-and-7 from the Texas 14-yard line, McCord dropped back and found Harrison on a slant route for a touchdown, putting the Buckeyes up 28-14 and effectively sealing the win. The Longhorns were unable to respond in the closing minutes, and Ohio State was able to run out the clock to secure their trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Ohio State’s Resilience

The victory was a testament to Ohio State’s resilience, as they showed their ability to bounce back from mistakes and capitalize on key moments. While their offense was not as sharp as it had been in earlier games, McCord and the offense found a way to make the plays when it mattered most. Harrison was the star of the day, finishing with 8 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown, while Henderson ran for 87 yards and played a pivotal role in the second half.

Defensively, Ohio State made the plays they had to. After struggling with missed tackles and poor coverage in the first half, the defense locked down in the second half. Eichenberg’s sack and Johnson’s interception were the key moments that allowed the Buckeyes to regain control of the game.

Texas’ Disappointment

For Texas, this loss was a tough pill to swallow, especially after such a strong first-half performance. Ewers, who had been playing exceptionally well through most of the game, showed his youth at the most critical moments, with the interception and several missed opportunities that could have tied the game or given Texas the lead. **Running back Bijan Robinson was held to 57 yards, a testament to Ohio State’s improved run defense in the second half.

The Longhorns can hold their heads high, however. Their performance this season has been a significant step forward under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a talented team, including key players like Ewers and Robinson, the future looks bright for Texas. Although they didn’t win this game, their time on the national stage is clearly coming.

Looking Ahead: Ohio State to the CFP Title Game

For Ohio State, this win sets up an exciting matchup in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they will face either Georgia or Michigan, two of the toughest teams in the country. The Buckeyes will need to clean up their mistakes and play a more complete game if they hope to secure their first national championship since 2014.

But for now, Ohio State fans are celebrating a hard-fought, well-earned victory in the Cotton Bowl, and their team’s resilience has given them a shot at ultimate glory. With a trip to the national title on the line, the Buckeyes’ pursuit of another championship continues.