In a thrilling turn of events at the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State's defense etched its name into the annals of college football history. With just over three minutes left in the game and Texas poised to tie the score, the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator Jim Knowles orchestrated a series of plays that not only prevented the Longhorns from scoring but also sealed a decisive 28-14 victory. The highlight came when senior defensive end Jack Sawyer scooped up a fumble and rumbled 83 yards for a touchdown, igniting celebrations among fans and players alike. This moment, along with a crucial goal line stand earlier, marked a significant milestone for Ohio State as they advanced to the national championship game.

The tension was palpable when Texas moved to the Ohio State 1-yard line. It seemed inevitable that the Longhorns would score, tying the game at 21-all. However, Knowles, known for his tenacity, refused to accept this outcome. He believed in his team's ability to stop Texas. Two plays before Sawyer’s dramatic scoop-and-score, safeties Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom combined to force a seven-yard loss on a toss sweep, dramatically altering the momentum of the game. This play, though less celebrated than Sawyer's touchdown, was equally pivotal in setting up the Buckeyes' victory.

Knowles had anticipated Texas's play call, leveraging film preparation and strategic foresight. His decision to switch to a "bear" front defense clogged the interior gaps, forcing the Longhorns to attempt a wide run, which ultimately failed. Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton noted that Texas tried to stretch the field, but it didn't work out for them. This defensive adjustment was critical in thwarting Texas's advance.

Adding to the drama, J.T. Tuimoloau, playing through a sprained ankle, stopped running back Jerrick Gibson for no gain on first down. On third down, Sawyer pressured Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers into an incomplete pass, leading to the fourth-down heroics that followed. These plays exemplified the resilience and determination of the Buckeye defense, qualities that have been historically elusive during critical moments.

For Ohio State, this victory carried deeper significance. The program has faced numerous heartbreaks in past championship games, where defensive lapses cost them dearly. From Charles White shredding the defense in the 1980 Rose Bowl to Clemson's late-game surge in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl, these moments lingered in the minds of fans and players. But this time, the Buckeyes delivered when it mattered most. The defensive stand against Texas was a testament to their growth and resolve.

The jubilation was evident when Larry Johnson, Ohio State's defensive line coach, couldn't contain his excitement as Sawyer dashed down the sideline. Johnson, renowned for developing elite pass rushers, finally saw his defense rise to the occasion. The Buckeyes' motto, "Give us an inch and we'll defend it," rang true as they secured the win and marched toward Atlanta for the national championship. This moment will be cherished by Buckeye Nation for generations to come.