One of the mysteries of Friday’s Cotton Bowl has been solved: We finally know why Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s hand swelled like a balloon. The senior revealed Wednesday why he had a massive bulge on his left hand during the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win over Texas in the playoff semifinal.

Ohio State will play for the national championship after defeating Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Check out all the biggest moments from the game:

Sawyer's passion for the Buckeyes is unmatched, and his 83-yard fumble return touchdown to beat Texas will live forever in Ohio State lore.

Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns before Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers that he returned 83 yards for a touchdown with 2:13 left as Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.

Ohio State is one win away from a college football national championship after beating Texas in the Cotton Bowl with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

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.

Looking for a ticket to the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10 between Texas and Ohio State, the winner of the Rose Bowl? Here is how you can buy one: Ticket prices for the Ohio State vs Texas College ...

Why is Ohio State playing Texas in the Cotton Bowl for its CFP semifinal location? Here's what to know ahead of Friday's game vs. the Longhorns:

Texas thrived on being able to take away the run and make Ohio State one-dimensional. It held Ohio State to just 81 rushing yards and 3.4 yards per carry. That was Ohio State’s third-lowest average per carry this season, limiting what the offense wanted to do because it lived behind the sticks.

Ohio State and Texas are both seeking a chance to end national title droughts. The powerhouse programs meet in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

There are four teams left in the College Football Playoff, with the semifinal matchups taking place this week. The winners of the Cotton Bowl Classic and Orange

Ohio State star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith jokingly acknowledged on X Saturday morning that Texas' gameplan against him worked. Here's more: