ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State senior Jack Sawyer had the kind of moment that will live on in Buckeyes lore long past his playing days.
Of course, one more victory would make it that much sweeter.
The senior defensive end and Ohio native stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers — his former roommate — and returned the fumble 83 yards for the clinching touchdown Friday night in a 28-14 victory over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal at AT&T Stadium.
Quinshon Judkins rushed for a pair of touchdowns, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter before Sawyer’s signature play.
“We talked before the game about how do you leave a legacy is to become your old legend. And there’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history,” Buckeyes sixth-year head coach Ryan Day said. “Now they get 10 more days together, and an opportunity to tell their story if they go win one more.”