Buckeyes Blitz Longhorns, Secure Title Game Berth In Cotton Bowl Classic
The Ohio State Buckeyes made a statement on Friday night, dismantling the Texas Longhorns 42-20 to secure their berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Buckeyes dominated the Longhorns from start to finish, racking up 563 yards of total offense and holding Texas to just 267. Ohio State's defense was particularly impressive, forcing four turnovers and sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers five times.
A Dominant Performance From Start to Finish
The Buckeyes set the tone for the game early, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was efficient and effective, completing 21 of 26 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Running back TreVeyon Henderson also had a strong game, rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. The Ohio State defense was just as impressive, holding Texas to just 69 yards of offense in the first half. Ewers was sacked four times in the first half and threw two interceptions. The Buckeyes also forced a fumble, which they recovered and returned for a touchdown. By halftime, Ohio State had a commanding 28-7 lead.
The Longhorns showed some fight in the second half, scoring two touchdowns to cut the lead to 28-20. However, the Buckeyes responded with two touchdowns of their own to put the game away. Stroud threw a touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the third quarter, and Henderson ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes' defense also continued to make plays, forcing two more turnovers in the second half. By the end of the game, the Buckeyes had a convincing 42-20 victory.
What's Next for Ohio State?
With the win, the Buckeyes clinched a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. They will face the Oklahoma Sooners on December 3rd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners are ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, so the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them. However, if they can play like they did against Texas, they will be a tough out for anyone.
The Longhorns' Disappointing Season
The loss to the Buckeyes was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Longhorns. Texas finished the year with a 5-7 record, their worst record since 2010. Coach Steve Sarkisian has a lot of work to do to turn things around in Austin. The Longhorns have a lot of talent on their roster, but they need to find a way to be more consistent. They also need to improve their defense, which was one of the worst in the country this season.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the best teams in the country. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are well-coached. The Buckeyes are a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff, and they will be a tough out for anyone.