Ohio State was on a warpath and the larger football world was taking notice. The perpetual OSU doubters could not do anything but acknowledge the domination. But up next was perhaps the team with the best chance to slow this offensive wood chipper. The mood around the fanbase was that the team had shown enough: this would be a tough game, but Ohio State's got the goods.

Going Into the Semifinals

• Texas is Back? - They've been "back" many times, but this time, they might actually be back. A ball-hawking defensive backfield that boasts 21 interceptions and less than 170 passing yards per game allowed have launched Texas to #1 in passing yards allowed per attempt. If a team could slow down this dynamic and multiple OSU passing offense, Texas might be it. Their impressive defense was also aided by a fearsome defensive front, led by two all-SEC linemen, that have only allowed 3.2 yards per carry and generated 44 sacks, good for 4th in the country. Head coach Steve Sarkisian wasted no time positioning themselves as the underdogs, publicly saying, "nobody's going to give us a shot" and electing to wear away jerseys despite being the higher-ranked home team. Whatever works, I guess.
• Staying Locked In - In Day's presser, there were apparently a lot of questions about Ohio State keeping its edge and staying focused. And I can't actually blame the national media for that; they proved a lot of doubters wrong, but our players were hungry for more. They knew the ultimate goal, since before the season, was the national championship. Besides that, they said it many times: they were playing for the opportunity to play alongside each other for one more game. 
• Full Circle - A year ago in the same venue may have been when it became clear to Day that he needed to give up playcalling duties. And handing that over to Chip Kelly proved to be an integral and massively beneficial change for this team as the offense this year had proven to be way more dynamic than I ever remember them being. He answered questions about it ahead of the Cotton Bowl and said he had no regrets about giving it up, since it allows him to spend more time on the entire team rather than just the offense. And what a difference a month makes, as we even discussed Ryan Day as coach of the year. People have really turned around on Justin Frye, too. Unfortunately, Will Howard still sucked.
• Pregame Picks - The staff unanimously picked Ohio State to win, not by a lot, but decisively. Critical factors included how our WRs would handle Texas' secondary, if Ohio State could once again get off to a fast start, and whether Texas' run game could find a resurgence in this game against OSU's defense. After having a hard time putting away Arizona State, some were quite confident in our chances, but acknowledged Texas would be a tough team to beat. 

Semifinals vs #5 Texas in 150 Minutes

Open Threads: Q1 | Q2 | Halftime | Q3 Pt1 | Q3 Pt2 | Q4  

Coming Out of the Semifinals

• Game Summary - What a win. Texas fought hard: their defense was as adept as advertised and they made this a four-quarter game. But OSU overcame. Players rose up big time. Although there was not the same onslaught as in the previous two rounds, this game did not lack in memorable moments. The incredible, incredible 75-yd touchdown from Treveyon Henderson to smash Texas' momentum heading into halftime. I don't remember what name we gave this play, but you already know the one. And while it wasn't a singular, memorable play, don't sleep on the epic 4th-quarter, 88-yard drive to score Ohio State's third touchdown. As DJ put it, a "drop-your-nuts moment." There were so many more clutch plays that don't get much mention that I hope you guys highlight in the comments. Like Gee Scott scratching and clawing only a few, yet crucial, yards to make a 4th down conversion possible. 
• Five Things - Quinshon's hard, physical running style was critical in securing tough yards in a game where every little bit mattered. It also helped set the tone: Texas' defense was tough, but OSU's offense was tough, too. Not to be outdone, on the first play of a drive that started with only 27 seconds left before the half, Treveyon showcased his incredible speed to create one of the most epic touchdowns of the playoff run. The defense never backed down all night, and it paid off with another glorious goal line stand, heroically capped off by none other than the Captain Jack. 
• Presser Bullets - Although the team came away with a hard-fought victory, it was not without blemishes. One of Day's first comments in the presser addressed penalty issues that killed multiple drives. He also blamed execution for other failed drives. The Buckeyes would not be complacent after three huge wins with one to go, that was for sure. 
• I don't have anything to write for this, but here are the Social Reax posts: Part 1, Part 2, Christmas Special

I'm just telling you now, it's gonna take four quarters to do this. So come out the first and just chase. Enjoy the chase. ENJOY THE CHASE. ENJOY THE CHASE. And then the fourth quarter, say 'I'm done chasing.'

Up Next: The Natty vs #7 Notre Dame