Jack Sawyer didn’t take it straightforward on his previous roommate.
With simply over two minutes left within the fourth quarter of Friday night time’s Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal in Arlington, Texas, the Ohio State defensive finish made the game-changing play of the night time when he compelled a fumble from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers earlier than working it again 83 yards for a scoop and rating.
It was the ultimate landing in a 28-14 win within the Cotton Bowl for the Buckeyes, who clinched a spot within the nationwide title recreation and a date with Notre Dame on Jan. 20.
Ewers, a one-semester Buckeye and Sawyer’s roommate in Columbus, Ohio, earlier than transferring to Texas, led a drive late within the fourth quarter all the way down to the Ohio State 1-yard line, simply 36 inches — and an additional level away — from tying Ohio State.
Nevertheless it was not meant to be.
A run for no achieve, a lack of seven and an incomplete move put the Longhorns in a do-or-die fourth down.
Ewers, with the sport on the road, took a snap out of the shotgun, and earlier than he may launch the ball, Sawyer got here from the correct facet, blowing previous sort out Cameron Williams for a clear shot on the signal-caller.
Sawyer not solely compelled the fumble, however he picked up the free ball and ran down the sidelines himself for a back-breaking rating.
ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler summed it up succinctly.
“You can’t script this; roommates when Ewers was at Ohio State. [Sawyer] spoils his dream with that strip-sack and touchdown,” Fowler stated as Sawyer celebrated together with his teammates ultimately zone.
After the sport when Sawyer chatted with ESPN, he stated he had some enjoyable with Ewers on the finish of the proceedings.
“I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him, I was just thinking, I’ve got to stay on my feet because I almost blacked out when I scooped it and saw a bunch of green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer stated.
“Just walking off, he said, ‘Screw you,’ and started laughing,” Sawyer continued. “That’s my boy, we were roommates when he was here. I have a lot of respect for him and the Texas team.”
Whereas Sawyer and his teammates get yet one more recreation, this defeat could be the final one for Ewers at Texas.
Earlier than the sport, in a sit-down with ESPN, the quarterback stated he doesn’t count on to be enjoying faculty soccer in 2025.
