A thrilling showdown unfolded in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night when the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes outlasted the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns, 28-14, to punch their ticket to the national championship.

Analysis: Ohio State was far from perfect in its College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas, which made the victory even more rewarding.

This has been a season unlike any other for Ryan Day emotionally. Less than two months ago, loud and influential media voices were calling for the firing of the nation’s winningest active coach in the wake of Ohio State’s fourth straight loss to Michigan.

Ohio State this time gets the chance to play for the national title after another bitter loss to its biggest rival.

About the only thing that feels normal about it are the teams playing for the title: Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day was joined by MVPs Jack Sawyer and Will Howard after the team's Cotton Bowl win over Texas on Friday night. ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ohio State coach Ryan Day was joined by ...

Ohio State coach Ryan Day runs onto the field with players before a College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Julio Cortez/AP Share “Fire ...

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day watches from the sideline during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington ...

SportsDayHS’ choices for first and second teams for offense following the 2024 football season. Selections were made by the SportsDayHS staff. Find

Ryan Day aims to have his Ohio State Buckeyes leave no doubt. After a complete team performance that won the Bucks their first national championship in 10 years, Day should have removed any doubts about his tenure in Columbus in the minds of the Buckeye faithful.

Ohio State can celebrate another title after holding off a Notre Dame comeback bid to walk away with a nailbiter of a 34-23 victory over the Fighting Irish. Will Howard