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Ohio State’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas began as dominant as the Buckeyes’ first two CFP games had.
Then came the first of nine Buckeye penalties costing 75 yards. Ohio State led 7-0 and had moved the ball to the Longhorns’ 37 late in the first quarter when TreVeyon Henderson was stopped for a 1-yard gain on first down. After the play, words were apparently exchanged, and Henderson threw a left hand to the helmet of defensive tackle Alex January.
Henderson was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the 15-yard penalty stymied the drive, ending OSU’s momentum. It was the start of a trend that would force Ohio State to the brink before prevailing 28-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown on a 75-yard touchdown catch and run against Texas Longhorns in the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.
Holding penalties by wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and right tackle Josh Fryar doomed OSU’s next two possessions.
In the third quarter, guard Austin Siereveld was called for unnecessary roughness when he blocked a Texas player at the end of a 15-yard pass to Carnell Tate.
On Texas’ fateful drive that ended with Jack Sawyer’s iconic play, Lathan Ransom and Jermaine Mathews were called for pass interference in the end zone on consecutive plays.
More: Analysis: Ohio State football’s struggles made CFP semifinal win over Texas even sweeter
Fortunately for the Buckeyes, Sawyer saved the game with his strip, scoop and score to propel Ohio State to the CFP championship game next Monday against Notre Dame.
But coach Ryan Day knows the penalties caused the Buckeyes to flirt with disaster.
“We’re disappointed that we really let four drives get away with…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-football-overcame-penalties-185107575.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-01-12 18:51:00
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