“What kind of animal is this”: Emmanuel Acho delves into intricate details of Jack Sawyer’s eye-catching play against Texas

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer has been in the spotlight after his game-winning scoop and score against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday. While the Buckeyes will face Notre Dame in the national championship game on Jan. 20, Sawyer's gameplay against the Longhorns impressed many, including former NFL linebacker and Texas alum Emmanuel Acho.

On Sunday, Acho posted a video clip of Sawyer's defensive displays against the Longhorns, pointing out how he affected the team's offensive drive.

"#33 from Ohio state ruthlessly eliminated Texas’ National Championship hopes. People only talk about the sack, forced fumble for a Touchdown, but Jack Sawyer ruined the whole drive for Texas. What kind of Animal is this!" Acho tweeted.

In the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl, with just over two minutes left in the game, Sawyer strip-sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and ran the ensuing fumble back for a touchdown to extend the Buckeyes' lead. The 83-yard touchdown was the longest scoop-and-score in CFP history.

Ohio State eventually won the game 28-14 to progress into the CFP final.

After the game, Sawyer even spoke to Ewers, who was his former roommate when they were both with the Buckeyes.

“I just said ‘Great season,'” Sawyer said of his postgame conversation with Ewers. “He’s a good guy. He’s a great dude. He’s had a lot of success, and he’s a great person. I just told him, ‘Keep your head up. You played a great game, and you have a great future ahead of you. Stay in touch with me soon.’"

Jack Sawyer recalls game-winning moment vs. Texas

Ohio State Buckeyes DE Jack Sawyer - Source: Getty

Jack Sawyer's game-sealing play against Texas was one of the highlights of the CFP semifinal. After the matchup, the Ohio State defensive end expressed his thoughts on what went through his mind during the play.

“S***, I guess just don’t fall like Will [Howard] did,” Sawyer said about his historic touchdown. “No, I’m joking. I’m kidding. But, seriously, I hit about the 30 [yard line] and I look back and I’m like I hope I’ve got some blockers. I’m running out of steam here, but they were running with me side-by-side.”

Sawyer will start in Ohio State's national championship game against Notre Dame on Jan. 20. He will want to help his team end the season with the biggest prize in college football.

Here are all the key details for the Ohio State-Notre Dame CFP final:

• Date: Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: Fubo
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia