Texas thrived on being able to take away the run and make Ohio State one-dimensional. It held Ohio State to just 81 rushing yards and 3.4 yards per carry. That was Ohio State’s third-lowest average per carry this season, limiting what the offense wanted to do because it lived behind the sticks.

It was unlike the other playoff games Ohio State had played so far this season. We didn’t see the early explosive plays on offense. We saw plenty of penalty flags. And the Buckeyes had their backs against the wall until the final 2:13 of the Cotton Bowl.