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.

Jack Sawyer and Quinn Ewers came to Ohio State together in 2021. They were roommates. The defensive end and quarterback wound up in the same place on Friday, the Cotton Bowl a CFP semifinal. Only Sawyer was still a Buckeye and Ewers played for Texas,

The Buckeyes beat Texas 28-14 on Friday night to set up a Jan. 20 meeting against the Fighting Irish. Ohio State hasn’t lost since it fell 13-10 to Michigan in November. Notre Dame hasn’t lost since it fell 16-14 to Northern Illinois way back in September.