Ohio State advances to the CFP championship thanks to Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score.
In a thrilling College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal game, the Ohio State Buckeyes punched their ticket to the national championship with a dramatic 35-31 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when defensive end Jack Sawyer capitalized on a fumbled snap, scooping up the ball and sprinting 35 yards for the game-winning touchdown. This play not only showcased Sawyer’s athleticism and football IQ but also epitomized the Buckeyes’ resilience in a game filled with twists and turns.
The Game That Defined the Rivalry
Ohio State and Michigan have one of the most storied rivalries in sports, but their showdown in the CFP semifinal raised the stakes to new heights. The two teams had already faced each other during the regular season, with Michigan narrowly escaping with a win. This time, a national championship berth hung in the balance, amplifying the tension and drama.
Both teams entered the game as offensive powerhouses, with Michigan leaning on its potent rushing attack and Ohio State boasting a high-flying passing game led by quarterback Kyle McCord. The game lived up to its billing, featuring explosive plays, strategic adjustments, and an electric atmosphere.
The Scoop-and-Score: A Moment of Brilliance
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan held a slim 31-28 advantage and was driving into Ohio State territory, looking to drain the clock and secure a win. On 3rd-and-6 from the Buckeyes’ 42-yard line, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy mishandled the snap under pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line.
Sawyer, known for his relentless motor and quick reaction time, pounced on the opportunity. As the ball hit the turf, Sawyer accelerated past Michigan’s offensive linemen, scooped up the ball cleanly, and sprinted down the sideline. With the Ohio State bench erupting and the roar of the crowd reaching a fever pitch, Sawyer crossed the goal line to give the Buckeyes a 35-31 lead with just over two minutes remaining.
Sawyer’s Growth as a Defensive Leader
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. A five-star recruit from Pickerington, Ohio, Sawyer was one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in his class. After showing flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, 2024 marked a breakout campaign for the junior defensive end.
Sawyer’s ability to read plays, shed blockers, and disrupt opposing offenses has made him a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense. His leadership and playmaking ability were on full display in the semifinal, where he tallied five tackles, two quarterback hurries, and the game-defining fumble recovery.
A Defensive Masterclass
While Ohio State’s offense has garnered much of the spotlight this season, it was the defense that stole the show in the semifinal. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes implemented a game plan designed to neutralize Michigan’s vaunted rushing attack.
The defensive line, anchored by Sawyer and fellow standout J.T. Tuimoloau, consistently pressured McCarthy and clogged running lanes. Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers delivered punishing hits, while the secondary, led by safety Sonny Styles, held Michigan’s receivers in check.
Ohio State forced two turnovers in the game, including the decisive fumble that Sawyer converted into points. The Buckeyes’ ability to win the turnover battle and make plays in critical moments was the difference in a game where both teams showcased their elite talent.
Offensive Contributions and Key Players
Although Sawyer’s scoop-and-score stole the headlines, Ohio State’s offense also played a crucial role in the victory. Quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively to his talented receiving corps. Marvin Harrison Jr., widely regarded as the best receiver in college football, had another stellar performance with 120 yards and a touchdown.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson provided balance with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown, keeping Michigan’s defense honest and opening up opportunities for the passing game. The offensive line, though tested by Michigan’s formidable front seven, held its ground in critical moments, allowing McCord to make key throws.
Michigan’s Missed Opportunities
For Michigan, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Wolverines had several opportunities to put the game out of reach but were unable to capitalize. A missed field goal in the third quarter and a failed fourth-down conversion in the red zone loomed large.
McCarthy, who finished with 245 passing yards and two touchdowns, played well but was let down by untimely mistakes, including the fumbled snap that led to Sawyer’s game-winning score. Despite a strong showing from running back Blake Corum, who rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown, Michigan’s offense struggled to find consistency against Ohio State’s defense.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
With the victory, Ohio State advances to the CFP National Championship, where they will face the Georgia Bulldogs in a highly anticipated matchup. Georgia, the reigning champions, boasts a dominant defense and a balanced offense, setting the stage for a clash of titans.
For Ohio State, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and preparing for the Bulldogs’ physicality. The Buckeyes’ ability to generate explosive plays on offense and force turnovers on defense will be key factors in determining the outcome of the championship game.
Legacy Implications for the Rivalry
The semifinal victory over Michigan carries significant implications for the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. After losing two consecutive games to the Wolverines in 2022 and 2023, the Buckeyes reclaimed bragging rights on the biggest stage. The win not only secures a shot at the national title but also serves as a statement that Ohio State remains a powerhouse in college football.
For Michigan, the loss is a painful reminder of the challenges that come with sustaining success. While the Wolverines have reestablished themselves as a national contender under Jim Harbaugh, their inability to close out games against elite opponents remains a hurdle.
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score will go down as one of the most iconic plays in Ohio State football history, a moment that epitomized the Buckeyes’ determination and resilience. The victory over Michigan in the CFP semifinal was a testament to the team’s preparation, execution, and belief in one another.
As Ohio State prepares for the national championship against Georgia, the Buckeyes carry with them the confidence of a team that has faced adversity and emerged stronger. For Michigan, the focus shifts to regrouping and building on the progress they’ve made in recent seasons.
The semifinal showcased the best of college football: intense rivalries, elite talent, and unforgettable moments. And for Ohio State, it marked another step toward the ultimate goal—a national championship.
