DALLAS, TX — Jack Sawyer was transcendent in the Cotton Bowl. His game-clinching 83-yard sack fumble return for a touchdown, a play that stripped his former Ohio State roommate, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, helped secure Ohio State’s 28-14 victory and put them on course for a National Championship game appearance. And the play itself was a testament not only to Sawyer’s skill but also to the team’s resilience, a thread echoed throughout his post-game reflections.
Sawyer gave credit to the Ohio State coaching staff that put them in good positions all game long.
“That’s a really good football team we just played, and hats off to them and Coach [Steve Sarkisian] Sark and Quinn. They’re a great team, and they’ll be back here, I’m sure, for the next couple of years.”
As Sawyer reflected on the game, he appreciated the moment and his teammates.
“Aw man, God is great, you know… He put me in a great position to make a play, and I just was fortunate enough to do that.”
This sentiment underscored his gratitude for this opportunity and the support system around him. He attributed it to the team’s resiliency all game long.
“The resiliency of this team…from a month ago, and it’s been awesome, and it’s been led by a lot of these guys and these two men next to me.”
According to Sawyer, the play was a terrific experience: “I hit about the 30, and I look back, I’m like, I hope I got some blockers. I’m fading here, and they were running next to me, side by side. Man… that says so much about who this team is as well, you know. We always have each other’s back, and it was just a special moment.“
This story illustrates not just Sawyer’s talent but the collective character of the Ohio State team.
As for the CFP National Championship game, Sawyer shared pride and excitement for the opportunity to battle.
“I love Columbus, I love the state of Ohio, and I love Ohio State football…God is great, and he has placed this team in such a great position to make a run at a national championship. This will be my last year, and I am so lucky to be playing in the national championship.“
An elated Sawyer, his teammate quarterback Will Howard, and head coach Ryan Day all shared in the joy of the victory. Sawyer is not ready to stop living out his college career just yet.
“We get 10 more days with each other, and what means the most to me is that we’re going to compete for a national championship now.” From his childhood aspirations of wearing the colors of Ohio State to his first game with the Washington team, this upcoming challenge weighs heavily on him.
He also spoke about the matchup with Notre Dame, “is a good challenge, and Notre Dame is a great team.”
Sawyer currently has 23 career sacks and will be looking for a few more before it’s all said and done.
To his words, he is a player grateful for the opportunity, grateful for his teammates, and fiercely set on restoring victory to Columbus. Next Monday, he and the Buckeyes will have their chance in Atlanta.
