Ohio State’s national championship hopes are still hanging by a thread, but the first drive of the second half provided a boost for the Buckeyes.

Alabama came out of halftime on the offensive side of the ball, but the Buckeye defense finally stood tall. With star receiver DeVonta Smith getting tended to for a hand injury, Ohio State stopped Najee Harris on a third-and-goal play to force a field goal by the Crimson Tide. That made it 38-17, Alabama in the third quarter.

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Facing a 21-point deficit, the game was essentially on the line with Ohio State’s ensuing possession. After a rough first half, quarterback Justin Fields provided a big performance on the touchdown drive.

He ripped off a long run to get the Buckeyes deep into Alabama territory. He followed that up with a gorgeous dime as Garrett Wilson also provided a beautiful route on the play.

It went for a 20-yard score and cut it back to a 14-point lead in the third: