For quarterback Quinn Ewers, it was set to be a validating moment. The Longhorns were major underdogs and Ewers made a handful of miraculous plays in the second half to swing the game, including a long pass to tight end Gunner Helm and magical toss to a running back while being tackled for a third-and-10 conversion.

The game was within Texas' reach with about half of the fourth quarter left against Ohio State. Or, at least, tying it was within reach — until it suddenly wasn't. Trailing the Buckeyes by a touchdown in Friday's College Football Playoff semifinal game at