Sat Jan 11 04:10:00 UTC 2025: **Ohio State Upsets Texas, Advances to College Football Playoff Championship**
ARLINGTON, TX – The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Texas Longhorns 28-14 in a hard-fought Cotton Bowl semifinal on Friday night, securing their place in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Buckeyes will face Notre Dame, who upset Penn State in the Orange Bowl, for the national title on January 20th in Atlanta.
Despite a strong performance from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who threw for 133 yards and a touchdown in the first half, Ohio State’s defense proved pivotal. A crucial strip-sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown by Jack Sawyer late in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the victory for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s offense was led by quarterback Will Howard, who completed 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins also contributed significantly, with Judkins scoring two touchdowns and Henderson making a key 75-yard touchdown reception before halftime. While highly touted freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith had a relatively quiet game, other Buckeyes stepped up to secure the win.
Texas mounted a comeback attempt in the third quarter, tying the game briefly, but Ohio State’s defense and timely offensive plays proved too much to overcome. Caleb Downs’ interception in the final minutes further solidified the Buckeyes’ victory. The win marks Ohio State’s return to the national championship game for the first time in a decade.
First Piper 