Although it may seem like the playoff gave Texas some home field advantage, it was actually picked as a semifinal location due to Oregon. The semifinal sites are determined by proximity, so Oregon was given the Cotton Bowl side of the bracket, with Georgia's side of the bracket getting the Orange.

After 22 years, the Longhorns return to the Cotton Bowl for the 23rd time with a spot in the CFP national-title game on the line.

Deep in the heart of Texas, the Buckeyes had to fight, scratch and claw through enemy territory on their way to the national title game.