ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ohio State won the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, but did the Buckeyes win a battle of public perception?
Was a 24-7 win over No. 8 USC any proof that the No. 5 Buckeyes should have been the No. 4 Buckeyes and in the College Football Playoff on Monday against No. 1 Clemson?
The Cotton Bowl wasn't going to change anything, but it did have the chance to make anyone with lingering feelings about the Alabama-Ohio State feel better or worse about themselves. One thing to keep in mind about Ohio State making, or not making, a playoff case -- Alabama is going to do the same thing.
If the Crimson Tide beats Clemson, you'll hear and read a lot of "See, they got it right."
On the field at AT&T Stadium after Friday night's game, Bill Landis and I talked about what the win over the Trojans did and did not prove. Watch the video, then vote on how you're feeling about the playoff conversation right now.