PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 4: Running back TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Carson Hinzman #75 during the third quarter of a college football game at SHI Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State defeated Rutgers 35-16. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Ohio State Could’ve Folded After Michigan Loss, But Jack Sawyer Says Buckeyes Chose ‘Option B’ for CFP
When the Ohio State Buckeyes were handed their most recent loss to their archrival Michigan Wolverines, it seemed as though the season was teetering on the edge. The loss, which came at a crucial point in the season, could have easily crushed the team’s morale. It was a defeat that, in years past, may have signaled the end of any championship hopes. For most teams, a devastating loss like that, especially to a bitter rival, could have been the beginning of a downward spiral. However, Ohio State chose a different path—a path of resilience, determination, and a refusal to fold. Instead of allowing their season to unravel, they took what defensive end Jack Sawyer calls “Option B” and set their sights on the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The road to the CFP was not guaranteed after the Michigan loss, but Ohio State refused to give up on their dream of competing for a national title. Sawyer, who is one of the team’s most vocal and passionate leaders, was instrumental in making sure the Buckeyes stayed focused and united. As a team, they had a choice: accept defeat and the disappointment of a missed opportunity, or rise above the setback and give everything they had for a chance to reach the ultimate goal. Sawyer and his teammates chose to fight. Their decision was not just about proving something to themselves, but about rallying around each other and their commitment to the season’s larger goals.
The Buckeyes’ ability to overcome a bitter defeat and qualify for the CFP is a testament to their mental fortitude and resilience. Here’s how they managed to bounce back and ultimately make their way into the College Football Playoff after the Michigan setback, with Jack Sawyer’s leadership serving as a guiding force.
The Aftermath of the Michigan Loss
The Michigan game, held annually as one of the most anticipated and high-stakes matchups in college football, had massive implications for Ohio State’s season. For most of the year, the Buckeyes were undefeated and riding high with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Ohio State had built momentum, and their undefeated record seemed to suggest that a spot in the CFP was all but guaranteed. However, Michigan had other plans, and their dominant performance in The Game dashed Ohio State’s dreams of an outright Big Ten title and a direct ticket to the playoff.
When the final whistle blew, and Michigan claimed victory, it was a crushing blow for the Buckeyes. The pain of losing to their fiercest rival was compounded by the fact that they had squandered their chance at the conference championship. Fans and media alike began to question whether Ohio State could recover in time to make the CFP.
In the immediate aftermath, the sense of disappointment in the locker room was palpable. Players were understandably upset and frustrated, but the immediate reaction was far from apathy. Instead, they leaned into their pride and determination to prove that one loss would not define their season. For the upperclassmen, including Jack Sawyer, this was a moment of reckoning. They knew they had a decision to make: let this defeat define their season, or come together as a team and rally for a greater purpose.
Jack Sawyer’s Leadership Role
Jack Sawyer, a defensive end with a relentless motor, knew the weight of the Michigan loss. However, he also understood the importance of leadership during moments of adversity. As one of Ohio State’s key defensive players and a team captain, Sawyer’s role in the locker room was critical. He had to help steer the team away from dwelling on the loss and refocus on what was still at stake. The College Football Playoff was within reach, and Sawyer knew that Ohio State still had a chance to achieve greatness if they could turn the page and not let their emotions rule them.
After the Michigan loss, Sawyer didn’t just show up to practice and go through the motions. Instead, he took ownership of the situation, reaching out to his teammates and reminding them of the bigger picture. He was vocal about staying committed to the team’s goals, despite the setback. The emotional and mental strength required to rebound from a loss of this magnitude is immense, but Sawyer’s leadership helped the team rediscover their focus. His message to the team was simple: “We have two choices: we can choose to fold, or we can choose to fight.”
Sawyer wasn’t just talking the talk; he walked the walk. His effort and drive in practice were infectious, and his energy began to permeate the locker room. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, Sawyer and the Buckeyes made a pact to not let the Michigan loss define them. They knew that their chance at redemption lay ahead, but they also knew that it would require a lot of hard work and commitment to secure a spot in the CFP.
Option A Was Gone—But ‘Option B’ Remained
The immediate aftermath of the Michigan loss left Ohio State with the sobering reality that their path to the CFP was no longer straightforward. With a loss to their biggest rival, the Buckeyes no longer controlled their destiny in the Big Ten. That meant that Ohio State would need some help in order to secure a spot in the CFP. But that didn’t mean all hope was lost.
As Jack Sawyer put it, Ohio State had two options: “Option A” was to let the Michigan loss derail their season and accept a consolation bowl game. However, “Option B” was to remain focused, show resilience, and win out the rest of the way. By doing so, they could still secure a spot in the CFP, depending on how the rest of the conference championships played out. It was going to take a lot of help from other teams, but Ohio State wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Option B required Ohio State to take care of their own business first—something Sawyer was adamant about. This meant finishing the regular season strong, with a focus on the games still left on the schedule. Even without a conference championship, Ohio State’s strength of schedule and overall performance could potentially earn them a place in the CFP. They had no room for error; every remaining game was now a must-win. Sawyer and the team needed to rely on their preparation, their coaches, and their ability to execute at the highest level in order to make that “Option B” a reality.
Staying Focused and Taking Advantage of the Opportunity
In the weeks following the Michigan loss, the Buckeyes took their first step in bouncing back: they defeated their next opponent in dominant fashion. They didn’t let the pain of the Michigan loss linger—they chose to play with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove they still belonged among the elite teams in college football.
Jack Sawyer’s relentless mentality was evident in each practice. His leadership was about more than just his words—it was about the way he played on the field. Sawyer set the tone by pushing his teammates to focus on what was in front of them, not what had been lost.
The Buckeyes needed to show up in the Big Ten Championship Game, but since they didn’t win the conference title, it left their fate largely in the hands of the selection committee. Fortunately, Ohio State had built a resume that still made them a strong contender. Their lone loss was to Michigan, but they had impressive wins against top-ranked teams like Penn State, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. They had shown themselves to be one of the most dangerous teams in the country all season, and their position in the CFP rankings was still solid enough to keep them in contention.
With a little help from conference results and other teams losing in key matchups, the Buckeyes were still alive in the playoff race. They got the call they’d been hoping for: a spot in the CFP, albeit with a tough challenge ahead. But for Jack Sawyer and the Buckeyes, it was the culmination of their decision to take “Option B”—to fight, not fold.
The Importance of Mental Toughness
As Ohio State moved forward into the College Football Playoff, their journey was a testament to the importance of mental toughness. Jack Sawyer’s leadership and the team’s refusal to be defined by a single loss ultimately earned them a chance to compete for a national championship. While the road to the CFP was not without its challenges, Sawyer and his teammates learned valuable lessons about perseverance, discipline, and unity.
Through the adversity of the Michigan loss, Ohio State emerged stronger and more focused than ever before. Their resilience was not just a testament to their skill on the field, but to their character and commitment to their goals. Sawyer’s leadership played a pivotal role in ensuring that Ohio State chose the right path in the aftermath of their heartbreaking defeat.
Looking Ahead to the CFP
With a spot in the College Football Playoff secured, the Buckeyes now have a chance to prove that they can overcome any obstacle, no matter how big or small. Their journey through the playoffs will undoubtedly be filled with intense competition, but the team has already shown that they can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
For Jack Sawyer, the battle is far from over. With the opportunity to compete for a national championship now within reach, the Buckeyes’ ultimate goal is clear. But no matter the outcome, the journey to the CFP has been defined by their resilience, their leadership, and their refusal to fold after a crushing loss. That mentality will continue to drive Ohio State as they chase glory in the College Football Playoff.
