In a dramatic Cotton Bowl clash, Ohio State conquered Texas 28-14, thanks to Jack Sawyer's 83-yard scoop-and-score, propelling them to the College Football Playoff national championship against Notre Dame next week.

Ohio State's victory over Texas not only silenced critics who lamented their rocky season but also set the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Notre Dame. With key plays such as Sawyer's fumble recovery and TreVeyon Henderson's dazzling touchdown, the Buckeyes demonstrated resilience amid turnover troubles, proving they can rise to the challenge just when fans had nearly given up hope—or at least changed the channel.

The game, held on January 10, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was not for the faint of heart. Ohio State and Texas exchanged penalties as though they were trading cards, each trying to outdo the other in an effort to display their hardships on the gridiron. Perhaps they thought it would make for a more thrilling spectator experience, or maybe they just wanted to give their fans a full evening of nail-biting action.

As the clock wound down, Ohio State took the lead with 7:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, moving ahead 21-14. This pivotal moment seemed to elevate the tension to a near-unbearable level. Texas, however, was not about to let their spirits dwindle just yet. They boldly marched to threaten an equalizer, demonstrating that even in dire moments, hope can bloom like a stubborn dandelion in the cracks of a concrete sidewalk.

But hope, much like your local restaurant's Wi-Fi, can be unpredictable. Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback, perhaps feeling the pressure or perhaps just in the mood for adventure, attempted a desperate pass. The result? An interception that felt less like a game-changer and more akin to a final nail in the Longhorn coffin. With that, Texas's fate was sealed, and Ohio State could begin celebrating—well, mostly. There was still some game clock left, after all.

Earlier in the game, TreVeyon Henderson made sure everyone remembered who he was with an electrifying 75-yard touchdown catch and run just before halftime. It was like watching a cheetah finish a sprint with style, leaving defenders grasping at air. Henderson's skills helped provide Ohio State with that all-important 14-7 lead, teaching both his teammates and fans another valuable lesson: scoring touchdowns beats scoring excuses.

Despite the eventual victory, both teams had their share of missteps. Numerous turnovers punctuated the match, contributing to the plot twist that had fans wondering if this was football or a particularly aggressive game of hot potato. Ohio State's struggles weren’t just limited to ball control, as they found themselves continually in the wrong place at the wrong time, evoking the kind of sighs typically heard in a crowded family gathering as Aunt Clara tells the same story for the fifth time.

Critics had already written the Buckeyes off after a dismal regular season and a self-inflicted wound known as the loss to Michigan. But like a confident actor recovering from a bad audition, Ohio State turned their performance around just enough to clinch a title spot. They transformed from a team of hope to a future championship contender—next on the agenda is a face-off against the formidable Notre Dame, scheduled for January 20, 2025. It’s not so much a revenge story as it is a hope for redemption, complete with untested battle songs and marching bands.

This Cotton Bowl victory, hard-fought and filled with the ups and downs expected in college football, gives Ohio State the opportunity to re-write their narrative. One can imagine that in Evanston, fans are just a tad more hopeful, ready to don their scarlet and gray once more, hoping for a continuation of this improbable success. After all, the dreams of a championship often encourage participation in risky behavior—like hope.