The clock struck midnight on the Texas Longhorns’ CFP run late Friday night. The Cotton Bowl saw them battling Ohio State for the chance to face Notre Dame. After a rough start, the Texas Longhorns worked to tie things up. It would not be enough to overcome some absolutely insane plays by Ohio State. The final quarter would be the final nail in Texas’ coffin. Two more touchdowns would seal the deal for Ohio State’s advance to the CFP National Championship. They will challenge Notre Dame as the Texas Longhorns head home.
CFP Semifinals: The Cotton Bowl
After taking down Arizona State in Double OT on New Year’s Day, Texas was set for this game. Ohio State cemented their place in the bracket after destroying Oregon. This year’s College Football Playoff Semifinals was a rollercoaster from start to finish.
1st Quarter
The Texas Longhorns started with an amazing one-handed catch by Wide Receiver Matthew Golden. WR Ryan Wingo would make a strong push forward, which Tre Wisner continued. Ultimately, Texas’ first drive ended in a turnover on 4th and 3 after an incomplete pass. Ohio State’s first possession would be far more fruitful, leading 7-0 at the end of the drive.
Texas’ first run back in possession had Wingo again bursting forth for a gain of several yards. He could have kept going but was tripped up by an Ohio State player. Quinn Ewers was sacked yet again on 3rd and 12 and the Texas Longhorns were forced to punt. Ohio State steadily made their way down the field the rest of the quarter. They couldn’t get further, and the quarter ended in a near sack of Ohio State QB Will Howard.
2nd Quarter
Just a few minutes into the second quarter, Ewers was sacked for a third time. It was a clear omen, as the rest of the game did not bode well for the Texas Longhorns. Golden headed to the locker room to have his ankle checked. Ohio State Cornerback Styles knocked Tight End Gunnar Helm down hard. It was a hit that Sark rightfully demanded a targeting call for but did not get.
Ohio State QB Will Howard played with a giant knot on his hand at this point. Replay footage showed this was possibly from incidental contact with Texas Longhorn Ethan Burke’s facemask. Barryn Sorrell and Anthony Hill Jr. combined to sack Howard with three minutes to go in the first half. Ohio State would not let Texas celebrate for long. The very next play they ran a screen pass. With less than a minute to go, TreVeyon Henderson recorded an incredible 75-yard touchdown. Halftime couldn’t come quickly enough for the Texas Longhorns. Ewers’ final deep rocket launch was nearly intercepted.
3rd Quarter
The third quarter started 14-7 and Golden was still on the sideline. David Gbenda notched a big interception, but Texas was still forced to punt. Halfway through, Ewers tossed a crazy improvisational play that really set the stage for Texas. He escaped a blitz with an underhanded flip to Wisner. A review confirmed the completion as the ball was released before his knee touched the ground. DeAndre Moore and Wisner continued to push down the field. That little flip earlier culminated in a 26-yard receiving touchdown by Jaydon Blue. The Texas Longhorns had tied it up at 14.
4th Quarter
The final quarter started evenly enough, with the score tied at 14. Good news for Texas came when Golden came back into the game. At an eventual 4th down and 2, Ohio State went for it. A player busted through and eventually fell, but the damage was done; he had gotten the first down. Texas Longhorns Defensive Back Taaffe stopped the first scoring attempt but couldn’t prevent the second. Ohio State Running Back Quinshon Judkins scored the 1-yard rushing TD.
Texas’ answer was slightly hampered by an unsportsmanlike conduct call on Helm. This was thankfully negated due to a huge push by Golden. That was unfortunately the end of the good news. An egregious error closed out the Texas Longhorns’ playoff run. And it came at the hands of Quinn Ewers.
Texas’ starting QB has recorded six wins when tied or trailing in the fourth quarter. Things looked promising. After all, this drive Texas had gone 74 yards in just over 3 minutes. Two pass interference calls on Ohio State later, the Texas Longhorns were within inches of the goal. Disaster struck on 4th and goal.
Ewers lost control of the ball, and Ohio State buried them with an 83-yard fumble return TD. Jack Sawyer had done it; recovered his former roommate’s fumble. They weren’t done yet. With Less than two minutes to go, Ewers threw a final interception. That was game. The Texas Longhorns’ playoff run had come to an abrupt end.
Final Thoughts
So where do the Texas Longhorns go from here? This game and their season will be dissected endlessly in the days to come. But what about the next steps for the team? Ewers might declare for the NFL Draft. Seniors Gunnar Helm and Jahdae Barron have taken their last steps on a college football field. The team is still full of talented players and eager freshmen. Wherever the Texas Longhorns end up, they can be proud of this historic season.
