Quinn Ewers credits Jack Sawyer for game-winning play, explains what went wrong

A storybook ending unfolded in the final minutes of the Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday. Unfortunately for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, he wasn’t the one with a happy ending.

Ahead of Ohio State and Texas’ showdown in the College Football Playoff semifinals, there were plenty of stories about Ewers’ connection to the Buckeyes. The standout QB began his career at OSU but transferred to Texas after only one season.

Although Ewers wasn’t in Columbus for long, he was there long enough to make connections. One of those connections came back to haunt him on Friday night.

With just over two minutes left in the game, Texas trailed Ohio State 28-14. However, after a relatively successful march down the field, Texas was fourth-and-goal on Ohio State’s 8-yard line and seemingly a play away from tying the game.

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That’s when Ohio State’s fairytale ending and Ewers’ nightmare scenario simultaneously unfolded. Ewers’ roommate during his lone season at Ohio State was Jack Sawyer. The same Jack Sawyer who went on to become a defensive star for the Buckeyes.

On the pivotal play, Sawyer stripped Ewers and returned the fumble 84 yards for a scoop-and-score touchdown, giving Ohio State a 28-14 lead. Texas was unable to strike back and the Buckeyes emerged victorious. After the game, Quinn Ewers discussed the momentous play.

“I felt him,” Ewers said of Sawyer. “I started drifting away. I thought I was gonna be able to get the ball off before he got there. Obviously, it’s not like I tried to give them the game. But, I saw jack running with the ball down the sideline, and it sucks, man.

“But, he’s a great player, great individual, great person. Like you said, we were roommates when I was up at Ohio State. So it sucks. It sucks. But Jack’s a good player and he made a great play.”

Sawyer’s scoop-and-score was the longest in CFP history. The standout senior finished the game with three tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.

Ewers also had a solid outing, completing 23-of-his-39 pass attempts for 283 yards and two touchdowns compared to one interception. Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to boost the Longhorns to victory.

Now, Sawyer will hope to ensure his former roommate’s sacrifice was not in vain. On Jan. 20, the Buckeyes will square off against Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.