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A little more than a year ago as its archrival won a national championship in Houston, Ohio State landed a commitment from former SEC Freshman of the Year Quinshon Judkins.
It may have struck some as desperate at the moment, a way of trying to steal the tiniest of shine away from Michigan’s big moment, but what it really signaled was how all-in Ohio State would be for 2024.
Judkins, who rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns in two seasons at Ole Miss, was an expensive addition as the Alabama native was one of the highest-paid running backs in the country for his sophomore season with the Rebels.
And there were moments this season when it was easy to question whether Ohio State was getting its money’s worth from Judkins. His numbers were way down — he rushed for less than 50 yards in six regular-season games for the Buckeyes — and looked like more of an expensive accessory than necessity.
When it mattered most Friday night, though, in a Cotton Bowl that was slipping out of Ohio State’s hands, there was Judkins powering through Texas’ stout defensive front to score the go-ahead touchdown to ultimately beat the Longhorns, 28-14.
A year and two days after committing to Ohio State on the night Michigan won it all, Judkins helped send the Buckeyes back to a national championship. He finished with two touchdowns, his running back mate TreVeyon Henderson added another on a 75-yard touchdown catch and the Buckeyes are on to Atlanta to play No. 5 Notre Dame on Jan. 20.
Ohio State’s $20 million roster, one of the most expensive in college football, was on display throughout a gutsy win over the Longhorns.
There was quarterback Will Howard, the hand-picked transfer Ryan Day wanted after nudging Kyle McCord out, who broke…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-states-gutsy-cotton-bowl-win-reinforces-why-it-went-all-in-this-season-with-20-million-roster/
Author : John Talty
Publish date : 2025-01-11 05:22:00
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