Ohio State Buckeyes Secure Cotton Bowl Victory Over Texas Longhorns, Eyes National Championship

Published January 10, 2025 6:30 PM CST

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The stage was set at AT&T Stadium for an electrifying showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic. As the clock wound down on January 10, 2025, it was Ohio State who emerged victorious with a decisive 28-14 win, propelling them into the national championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish later this month.

Game Recap: A Thrilling Contest

The Cotton Bowl Classic unfolded in a series of dramatic moments that showcased the talent and tenacity of both teams. The Buckeyes, led by quarterback Will Howard, started strong, scoring first and taking an early lead. By the end of the first quarter, Ohio State had established a 7-0 advantage.

Fourth Quarter: Buckeyes Close the Show

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Ohio State struck first again, pushing their lead to 21-14 with under eight minutes remaining. The Longhorns, determined to mount a comeback, began a promising drive down the field. However, disaster struck as Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was sacked, resulting in a fumble that the Buckeyes recovered. In a pivotal moment, Ohio State’s defense capitalized on this opportunity, running the fumble back for an impressive 83-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 28-14 with just three minutes left on the clock. Texas attempted to respond, but Ewers was intercepted on the very next drive, sealing the fate of the Longhorns and securing Ohio State’s win.

Third Quarter: A Battle of Wills

In the third quarter, the momentum shifted as Howard threw an interception during Ohio State’s first possession. Yet Texas was unable to capitalize on this mistake, failing to score. With less than four minutes left in the quarter, the Longhorns managed to tie the game at 14-14, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

Second Quarter: Back-and-Forth Action

The second quarter was marked by a flurry of action, including Texas fumbling the ball twice but managing to recover each time. Ohio State faced setbacks due to penalties that hindered their offensive progress. However, as the first half drew to a close, Ohio State executed a stunning 75-yard touchdown run, regaining the lead and ending the half at 14-7.

First Quarter: Establishing Dominance

The Buckeyes opted to defer the coin toss, allowing Texas to receive the ball first. However, the Longhorns could not capitalize on their initial possession, failing to put points on the board. Ohio State took advantage of their opportunity, scoring and taking the lead early in the game.

Matchup Insights: Key Players to Watch

As two powerhouse teams faced off, several players stood out, particularly at the quarterback position. Both Howard and Ewers have experience playing in high-stakes environments, having previously won Big 12 championships at AT&T Stadium.

Quarterback Showdown

Will Howard, who transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, having previously led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship victory against an undefeated TCU team. Ewers, on the other hand, has had a stellar season with the Longhorns and was looking to make an impact in this critical matchup.

The Battle of the Receivers and Defenders

Another intriguing matchup was between Texas All-American senior cornerback Jahdae Barron and standout Buckeyes freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. Barron, the recipient of the Thorpe Award, is recognized as one of the nation’s top defensive backs. Facing him was Smith, a second-team All-American and one of the most dynamic freshmen in college football, boasting 70 receptions for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns, including four touchdowns during the playoffs.

Looking Ahead: National Championship Showdown

With their victory in the Cotton Bowl Classic, the Ohio State Buckeyes are now set to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This highly anticipated game will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (CT).

Fans are eager to witness what promises to be an unforgettable championship clash. Both teams have shown incredible skill and determination throughout the season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

How to Watch

For those eager to catch the action, the championship game will be broadcast on major networks and streaming platforms. Here are the details:

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia
Date: Monday, January 20
Time: 7:30 PM (CT)
TV: ESPN
Streaming: Available on ESPN, DirecTV, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV (subscription required)

Conclusion

The Ohio State Buckeyes have proven their mettle in the Cotton Bowl Classic, overcoming the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling contest that showcased the best of college football. With an eye on the national championship, fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming showdown against Notre Dame. As both teams prepare for this epic clash, the anticipation continues to build, promising a championship game filled with intensity, skill, and unforgettable moments.