(This article has been updated with the latest details)

Defensive strength is key to winning championships.

This popular saying in sports was clearly illustrated by Ohio State football’s Jack Sawyer.

In a critical moment during the fourth quarter of Friday’s College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman from the Buckeyes managed to snatch the ball from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and took it all the way to the end zone for an 83-yard touchdown.

This play marks the longest scoop-and-score in the history of the College Football Playoff, as noted by ESPN’s broadcast.

Watch: Jack Sawyer scores on a fumble recovery

It was even more special for Sawyer since the play was made against his former roommate at Ohio State, with Ewers transferring to Texas after spending one year with the Buckeyes and becoming a standout quarterback for the Longhorns.

“I can’t express enough how impressive Jack Sawyer is. He embodies what it means to be a Buckeye and truly cares for his teammates. He has exceeded our expectations,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge after the game. “He’s everything we look for in a team leader.”

He added, “He just became a legend at Ohio State.”

Take a look at Day and Sawyer celebrating together on the field following the touchdown:

Sawyer’s touchdown came during an intense goal-line stand by Ohio State’s defense, following consecutive defensive pass interference calls against Lathan Ransom and Jermaine Mathews Jr., which brought Texas to the 1-yard line.

On the first play from the goal line, Ohio State successfully stopped Texas running back Jerrick Gibson from scoring. Ransom then tackled Quintrevion Wisner for a 7-yard loss on the second play, and on the third down, Ewers threw an incomplete pass. Finally, Sawyer made the crucial play that forever marked his place in Ohio State’s football history.

“This means everything to me,” said Sawyer, who grew up cheering for the Buckeyes and lives just 30 minutes from Ohio Stadium in Pickerington, Ohio, when asked about the significance of his play. “The coaches set me up in a perfect position. When I tackled him, I just saw the ball pop out right in front of me. My only thought was to keep going because, to be honest, I almost blacked out when I scooped it up and saw nothing but green grass in front of me.”

Before heading into the locker room to enjoy their victory, Sawyer shared a moment with Rowe about what Ewers said as they left the field together.

“He said, ‘Screw you’ while laughing,” Sawyer chuckled. “He’s my guy. We were roommates during his time here. I have a lot of respect for him and the Texas team. They played a great game, achieving a fantastic season; props to them.”

Sawyer’s performance included three tackles, two pass defenses, two quarterback hurries, a sack, a forced fumble, and that memorable touchdown against Texas.

Ohio State triumphed over Texas with a final score of 28-14, thanks to Sawyer’s heroics, advancing the Buckeyes to the CFP national championship.

The No. 8 seed Ohio State will now face No. 7 seed Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, January 20.