Following a disheartening loss to Michigan, Ryan Day rallied his Ohio State Buckeyes to a remarkable victory in the Cotton Bowl Classic, defeating Texas 28-14 and securing a spot in the national championship game. The Buckeyes' triumph followed weeks of speculation regarding Day's future with the team, silencing critics who called for his dismissal after the team's fourth consecutive loss to their rivals.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Ohio State taking an early lead before Texas mounted a comeback. A late fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Jack Sawyer proved to be the decisive moment, swinging momentum firmly in the Buckeyes' favor and sealing the Longhorns' fate.

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer celebrates after a key play. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Texas's offense struggled throughout the first half but managed to tie the game just before halftime. However, Ohio State responded immediately with a 75-yard touchdown pass to TreVeyon Henderson, reclaiming the lead before the break.

TreVeyon Henderson celebrates his 75-yard touchdown reception. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The second half saw both teams trade punts before Texas again tied the game late in the third quarter. Ohio State then regained the lead, setting the stage for Sawyer's game-changing fumble recovery and touchdown. A subsequent interception by the Buckeyes' defense solidified their victory.

With this win, Ohio State, the eighth seed, will face the seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the national championship game on January 20th. Both teams have overcome significant setbacks this season, making their matchup a compelling storyline in the expanded playoff format.

Ohio State's defense celebrates a sack. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)