Ohio State's Sawyer, Howard named Cotton Bowl MVPs

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer and quarterback Will Howard were named MVPs of the Cotton Bowl.

Each player had pivotal roles in the Buckeyes' 28-14 win over Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal Friday night.

Sawyer helped Ohio State clinch a spot in the CFP National Championship game by causing a fumble and recovering it for an 83-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach. The senior pass-rusher finished the contest with three tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.

Howard helped spearhead the Buckeyes' offense in a spirited contest. The star passer helped his team take a 14-7 lead into halftime after throwing a 75-yard screen pass to TreVeyon Henderson with 13 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The Kansas State transfer QB notched his first win over Texas by completing 24 of 39 passes for 289 yards, one TD, and an interception.

The Buckeyes will have the opportunity to win their first national title since winning the inaugural four-team playoff in 2014.