The game was within Texas' reach with about half of the fourth quarter left against Ohio State. Or, at least, tying it was within reach — until it suddenly wasn't. Trailing the Buckeyes by a touchdown in Friday's College Football Playoff semifinal game at

Despite rolling through wins over Tennessee and then Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas’ defense was able to put a lid on Ohio State’s explosive offense. After dominating performances in the first two rounds where the Buckeyes scored 42 and 41 points, the Longhorns’ defense showed up.

Texas was just one yard from tying the Cotton Bowl but a failed sweep and subsequent sack and fumble clinched the game for Ohio State.