Deep in the heart of Texas, the Buckeyes had to fight, scratch and claw through enemy territory on their way to the national title game.

Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns before Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers that he returned 83 yards for a touchdown with 2:13 left as Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.

Well, it wasn’t the smooth ride like the first two games were, but maybe a little more meaningful. After embarrassing Tennessee and Oregon, Ohio State found itself in a dogfight with Texas in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. A game the Buckeyes would ultimately win with late heroics.