Ohio State Football

Ohio State celebrates 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.

That the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish, two of the sport's most storied teams, are squaring off in the title game is a TV executive's dream — and a fitting end to the first-ever 12-team playoff.

While these Buckeyes (13-2) certainly slowed down, they are getting ready for their school-record 16th game. That will be for the national championship against Notre Dame (14-1) on Monday night in Atlanta.

The 16-game season didn't come out of nowhere. Expanding the CFP to 12 teams meant that the teams in the national championship game would have to play either three or four games — depending on whether they got a first-round bye or not.

Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers that he returned 83 yards for a touchdown with 2:13 left as Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.

The Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Texas Longhorns in Friday's Cotton Bowl for a spot in the national championship.

No. 6 Ohio State roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 41-21 victory over No. 1 Oregon in the 111th Rose Bowl.

Not even the Granddaddy of Them All can remain unchanged by the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Jeremiah Smith isn't just the next great Ohio State wide receiver. Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke believes Smith will be the best receiver in school history.

With Chip Kelly calling the plays, Ohio State is 11th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 36 points, and 32nd in total offense at 427.3 yards a game.