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.

Notre Dame escaped the Orange Bowl with a 27-24 win over Penn State following a late field goal after a brutal interception from Nittany

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.