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.

The Ohio State football team punched its way to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Notre Dame on January 20, thanks to a hard-fought win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.

DALLAS -- Jeremiah Smith just his least productive game as a college football player and Ohio State still won by 14 points. Texas’ entire game plan was telling the Buckeyes that everyone but the freshman wide receiver was allowed to touch the ball. The result was only one three-yard catch as the Buckeyes had to look elsewhere for offense.