The Buckeyes' late scoop-and-score propels them to a national title victory over Texas.

Whatever Ryan Day said to his team after losing to Michigan obviously worked.

Despite losing to Michigan four straight times, including their worst defeat yet, the Buckeyes won the national championship after defeating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday night.

With 7:02 remaining, Ohio State led Texas 21-14 after a successful drive that included a 4th down conversion. In response, Texas quickly advanced the ball, thanks to a 34-yard catch by Gunnar Helm. However, Texas suffered back-to-back defensive pass interferences in the end zone, giving them a fresh set of downs at the goal line. Despite this setback, the Longhorns were able to tie the game before a nightmare occurred.

On second down, Quintrevion Wisner lost seven yards on a toss, putting Texas in trouble. The third down pass fell incomplete, and on fourth down, Ewers fumbled and was forced to pick it up by Jack Sawyer, who took it 82 yards the other way for a touchdown.

The Longhorns' season seemed to flash before their eyes in an instant as Ewers threw a pick on their next drive, ending the game.

The Longhorns tied the game with 29 seconds left in the first half, despite being stalled throughout the half and stopping the Buckeyes on 4th down.

Although Ohio State was not, it happened that right after a touchback, Will Howard passed the ball to TreVeyon Henderson, who got some blocks in front and ran 75 yards to the house, giving the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead into the locker room. It's quite easy to identify the two plays that led to Texas' season ending, with the benefit of hindsight.

In the third quarter, both teams mostly traded punts. However, with just over three minutes remaining, Ewers scored their second touchdown of the night by connecting with Jaydon Blue, tying the game. But then the Buckeyes scored to take a 21-14 lead.

It was disclosed prior to the game that Ewers anticipated playing in the NFL next season. Therefore, it will be intriguing to observe if his plans alter.

The eighth-seeded Buckeyes will face No. 7 Notre Dame on Jan. 20, adding another team to the expanded playoff.

Since their home loss to Northern Illinois in September, Notre Dame has won 13 straight games.

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