Ohio State came into the day needing some help if it wanted any chance of making it to the College Football Playoff. Alabama, Clemson, and Notre Dame are thought by most to be virtual locks with the No. 4 spot likely coming down to Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Georgia.
The Buckeyes needed Alabama to top the Bulldogs (as expected) but the biggest favor needed to come from Tom Herman and the Longhorns. After a solid first quarter in which the defense held the Sooners to only a field goal, Kyler Murray and the Oklahoma offense emerged en route to a 39-27 victory.
Texas seemed to have a chance after forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter, but Sam Ehlinger was then promptly sacked for a safety and Oklahoma scored a touchdown upon getting the ball back. Murray connected with tight end Grant Calcaterra for what would prove to be the dagger.
With this catch Grant Calcaterra just guaranteed himself a spot on the Patriots pic.twitter.com/e6absobEXy
— Barstool Sports (@barstooltweetss) December 1, 2018
The Sooners have now captured four straight Big12 titles and – pending the result of the SEC championship – should find themselves in the playoff. As for the Buckeyes, a win over Northwestern will likely mean a spot in the Rose Bowl against Pac12 champion Washington.
The committee is set to announce the final College Football Playoff rankings on Sunday afternoon.
