ARLINGTON, Texas – A gigantic video screen at AT&T Stadium captured the stunned expression of a Texas supporter who couldn’t comprehend the shocking events that had just unfolded.

When she finally found her voice, all she could say was, “Holy (expletive),” while Ohio State fans celebrated in sheer elation.

What an unbelievable moment.

A promising Texas drive that had reached the 1-yard line spectacularly shifted when the Buckeyes scored a defensive touchdown in the opposite direction.

It was the end of the game.

Ohio State is heading to the national championship game.

Meanwhile, Texas is left to regroup for the offseason.

The Buckeyes did not make their 28-14 triumph in the Cotton Bowl easy for themselves, yet Jack Sawyer delivered a game-changing strip-sack on Quinn Ewers late in the fourth quarter, turning the tides.

Sawyer picked up the football and raced 83 yards, snatching away Texas’ chance to equalize and sealing the win for Ohio State.

What a play!

Ohio State demonstrates resilience, albeit not their best form

This College Football Playoff semifinal didn’t showcase a dominant Ohio State team, but rather one that displayed impressive determination in the final quarter to fend off Texas.

In a challenging 12-team playoff where Ohio State needed to win four games to lift the trophy, this game required the Buckeyes to prevail without their top effort.

This was such a moment.

They survived. They advanced. Not every win is a masterpiece.

Ohio State’s opening two playoff victories had already established them as frontrunners.

This win against Texas wasn’t dazzling by any stretch, but it certainly added another tally to their success.

Buckeyes shine in fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl

After scoring the go-ahead touchdown, Quinshon Judkins raised a finger to silence the crowd.

However, Texas wasn’t done yet and launched one last offensive attempt.

With the help of two pass interference calls from Ohio State, Texas found themselves only 3 feet away from tying the score. On first down, Ohio State held firm, but Texas then tried a risky toss play on second down that resulted in a 7-yard loss. Following an incomplete pass on third down, Ewers faced a critical moment requiring him to make a challenging throw.

But he never got that throw off. Sawyer made sure of that.

Tonight should give Notre Dame some encouragement. The Irish could compete with this Ohio State squad in the national championship. Still, Buckeyes fans can take comfort in the fact that their team delivered necessary plays when it mattered against one of the top defenses in the country.

Although this Ohio State squad didn’t resemble the one that dominated Tennessee or overpowered Oregon, they still found a way to win against a persistent adversary.

Disregarding the Longhorns’ higher ranking, this was the outcome many expected if you have followed Ohio State’s postseason journey – just perhaps not in this fashion.

The formidable team that made waves in the earlier playoff rounds didn’t make an appearance here. Instead, a Buckeyes group emerged that answered every time Texas managed to level the score.

Ohio State faced penalties that stalled drives and a Will Howard interception.

In a previous notable loss to Michigan six weeks ago, Howard had thrown a second interception. But not here. This time, he scrambled for 18 yards on a critical fourth-down draw that set up Judkins’ touchdown.

Then it was Sawyer’s moment to shine.

As the final moments of the game ticked away, both Sawyer and Coach Ryan Day shared a celebration on the sideline. Day affectionately patted Sawyer’s face, and after catching his breath from his long run, the defensive lineman smiled broadly.

Wow, Buckeyes, you’re heading to Atlanta!