COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Will Howard - Jeremiah Smith connection continues to be the driving force behind Ohio State football’s College Football Playoff run.

Afterward, fans wondered why Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, one of the stars of the game, was initially barred from the Rose Bowl stage by a security guard while many of his teammates were already on stage.

Mukuba was asked specifically about the number of chunk plays that the Longhorns’ defense gave up in its last two games. Texas allowed three pass plays of 30-plus yards in its overtime win against Arizona State and, against Clemson, allowed six pass plays of 20-plus yards.