Jack Sawyer propelled Ohio State into the National Championship with his late-fourth-quarter scoop-and-score. The Buckeyes’ standout edge stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on a fourth-and-goal play in the closing minutes, picked up the fumble, and rumbled 83 yards for a score that doubled the Buckeyes’ lead and all but iced their Cotton Bowl victory.

When asked what was going through his mind as he raced down the right sideline, all he could picture was his quarterback, Will Howard, tripping earlier in the quarter.

“Shit, I guess just don’t fall like Will did,” Sawyer said.

He was kidding, of course.

“But seriously, I hit about the 30, and I look back, and I’m like, ‘I hope I got some blockers. I’m running out of steam here.’ But they were running with me side by side,” Sawyer continued. “That just speaks volumes to who this team is, too. We always have each other’s backs.

“It was a special moment. I love the state of Ohio. I love Ohio State football. Man, like I said a million times after the game, God is great. He’s put this team in such a great spot. I’m just so fortunate to play in the national championship my last year here.”

Sawyer also had 3 tackles and a pass breakup in the game. A senior who returned this season to chase a national title, Sawyer has closed his final year on a high note with a brilliant run of form that dates back to November. He’s had at least a sack or a turnover produced in each of Ohio State’s last 6 games. And he now has 4.5 sacks in 3 College Football Playoff games.