Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate that he returned 83 yards for a clinching TD as Ohio State beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

Ohio State outlasted Texas 28-14 to win the Cotton Bowl and clinch their first trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship since 2014. The Buckeyes will face 7-seed Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State coach Ryan Day is now one win away from a national title just weeks after it seemed the program was in long-term trouble. Now, after three-straight playoff wins, the Buckeyes will face Notre Dame in the national title game on Jan. 20.

Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns and Jack Sawyer forced a fumble that he returned 83 yards for a clinching TD for the Buckeyes.

Things didn’t come nearly as easy for Ohio State against Texas in a CFP semifinal, but in the end, the Buckeyes did what they needed to win and advance to the College Football Playoff

The loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl ends the 2024 football season for Texas, which is still searching for its first national title since 2005.

The No. 5 seeded Longhorns and No. 8 seeded Buckeyes meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas to duke it out for a shot at the title. Ohio State has had more recent success, winning the big dance in 2015 with quarterback Cardale Jones at the helm and running back Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge with four rushing touchdowns.

Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns to help lead Ohio State to a 28-14 victory over Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

The National Championship is set. The Buckeyes will play Notre Dame for the College Football Playoff title Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

Ohio State's star running back Quinshon Judkins gave the Buckeyes an early lead over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.