Ryan Day: “Jack Sawyer Just Became an Ohio State Legend” – Sawyer Uses Former Roommate’s Stripsack to Punch Ohio State’s Title-Game Ticket
NBC News Reporting
In a moment that will go down in Ohio State football lore, defensive end Jack Sawyer became a Buckeye legend with a play that sealed the team’s spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Sawyer’s heroics came in the closing minutes of a tense semifinal matchup when his former roommate, J.T. Tuimoloau, delivered a clutch stripsack that gave Sawyer the opportunity to recover the ball and set up the game-winning drive. The play capped off a stellar defensive effort and secured Ohio State’s 31-28 victory, sending them to the title game.
With the Buckeyes trailing by three points and time ticking away, Tuimoloau—who had been wreaking havoc on the opposing quarterback all night—made a game-changing move. He powered through the offensive line, knocking the ball out of the quarterback’s hands. Sawyer, always in the right place at the right time, pounced on the loose ball, effectively sealing the win and propelling Ohio State into the national championship.
Head coach Ryan Day had high praise for Sawyer’s quick thinking and execution in the critical moment. “Jack Sawyer just became an Ohio State legend,” Day said during the postgame interview. “He was in the right spot, and that’s what champions do—they make plays when it counts. This defense, led by Jack and J.T., showed what we’re made of tonight. We’re going to the title game because of their leadership and determination.”
Sawyer’s recovery of the stripsack came after a string of dominant plays from Ohio State’s defense, which had kept the game close despite facing a high-powered offense. The fumble recovery by Sawyer shifted the momentum in Ohio State’s favor, allowing the offense to take the field with a chance to win the game. Quarterback Kyle McCord and the offense didn’t waste the opportunity, marching down the field and setting up a go-ahead touchdown to clinch the victory.
For Sawyer, the moment was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The sophomore from Pickerington, Ohio, has developed into one of the team’s most reliable defenders and has been instrumental in Ohio State’s defensive success this season. After the game, Sawyer reflected on the significance of the play, sharing how it felt to contribute to the team’s ultimate goal.
“J.T. made an incredible play, and I just had to finish it,” Sawyer said. “It’s a surreal feeling. This is what we’ve worked for, and I’m just happy we’re going to the title game. We’ve got more work to do.”
Ohio State will now focus on preparing for the national championship game, where they’ll face a tough opponent. But for now, Sawyer’s legendary play will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season.
