Ohio State Vs. Texas: A Semi-final Thriller
A game that truly lived up to the hype. A desperate Ohio State team to finally make it back to the National Championship has done it. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, who in the last games of the regular season were under the gun for questionable coaching decisions, coached an incredible game. Ohio State’s offense was very consistent, Will Howard commanded the offense with ease against a very solid Longhorn’s defense. Will Howard threw for 289 yards with a touchdown and a pick as he led the way for the Buckeyes to head back to the National Championship.
Ohio State’s Key Goal Line Defense
Numerous times throughout the game we saw Texas march down within the five yard line of Buckeyes territory and failed on scoring. The biggest moment happened when the Longhorns were gifted the ball on the 1 yard line with first down to play. Ohio State made two costly pass interference plays… or so we thought. The Longhorns were never able to capitalize on the miscues from the Buckeyes.
With minutes left to play Quinn Ewers stepped back in the pocket on fourth down after taking a sack for a major loss at the goal line, and got strip sacked from Jack Sawyer as he picked up the rock and took it 83 yards to the house to put the nail in the coffin for the Longhorns.
The absolute play of the game, and possibly the play of the playoffs thus far, considering it solidified the game and the Buckeyes kept control of the ball and clock.
Texas
Texas was always chasing in this game, always fighting back to try and make up for their mistakes, or fight back against the high-powered defense and offense from the Buckeyes. They never controlled the game and made it hard to put themselves in a position to win.
Ewers threw for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also committing an interception at the end of the game. Ewers, who was incredible all season, failed to command his offense and corral touchdowns while in the red zone. Tough to win games when you are failing to convert on first down on the 5 yard line or less.
Moving On
On January 20 in Atlanta, it will be The Fighting Irish from Notre Dame Vs. The Buckeyes from The Ohio State. A true high-powered offensive battle, mixed with gritty defenses from both teams.
Who will come out on top? Marcus Freeman or Ryan Day… Ryan Day will look to make a statement in the Big 10, after their rivals, Michigan, won the National Championship last year and beat them in the regular season. This is Ryan Day’s chance and Ohio State’s chance to prove to the Big 10 that they are new big dogs on the block.
I believe it will be a tough and gritty match, but Notre Dame will come out on top in a close game with a score of 24-20. I am calling it now, Notre Dame will be your 2025 College Football National Champions.
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
