(BCSNN) -- The 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic featured a made-for-TV matchup between the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas that almost lived up to the hype.

Ohio State entered the game as the favorite, having showcased their offensive prowess in victories over Tennessee and Oregon in the earlier rounds of the playoffs. The Buckeyes' offense was led by quarterback Will Howard, who completed 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown. Running back Quinshon Judkins was also a standout performer, rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Jack Sawyer made a game-changing play with a strip-sack and 82-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Texas, on the other hand, had a strong season with wins over Clemson and Arizona State. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns, but he faced constant pressure from Ohio State's defensive line. Running back Jaydon Blue contributed with two touchdown receptions, but the Longhorns' offense struggled to establish a consistent ground game, managing only 58 rushing yards.

The Buckeyes' defense was instrumental in securing the victory, holding Texas to just 14 points and forcing two key turnovers. Caleb Downs intercepted Ewers early in the third quarter, which helped the Buckeyes maintain their lead. Ohio State's ability to pressure Ewers and limit Texas' rushing attack proved to be the difference-maker in the game.

The game was closely contested, with Texas tying the score at 14-14 in the third quarter. However, Ohio State responded with an 88-yard, 13-play drive that culminated in Judkins' second touchdown, giving the Buckeyes a 21-14 lead. Sawyer's dramatic fumble recovery for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for Ohio State, making the final score 28-14.

“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 said.

The standout performances of Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, and Jack Sawyer were pivotal in Ohio State's victory, showcasing the team's offensive and defensive strengths. As the Buckeyes prepare for the championship game, they will look to build on their success and secure their first national championship in a decade.

Ohio State's win not only advanced them to the national championship game but also marked their first appearance in the title game since 2014. The Buckeyes will face Notre Dame in the championship game, with both teams vying for the coveted national title.