Sawyer is a true hometown star for Ohio State — he was born and raised in Columbus. On top of football, he also grew up playing basketball. Sawyer attended Pickerington High School North in Ohio, where he became one of the nation's top recruits.

Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz took a shot at Ohio State's Ryan Day leading into Monday's CFP championship game. Here more:

The Ohio State Buckeyes are closing in on a national title, and only the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stand in the way. In the lead up to the National Championship

There's no question that Ohio State's fourth consecutive loss to Michigan back on Nov. 30 sent shockwaves through Columbus. The Buckeyes, who had entered the matchup as a three-touchdown favorite, looked completely rattled against a Wolverine defense that held them to a season low 10 points.

The Fighting Irish advanced to the game by beating No. 6 Penn State, 27-24, in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman had extra motivation before the semifinal, becoming " angry " after Nittany Lions coach James Franklin poked fun at the now 39-year-old coach's youth.

As Ohio State prepares for the national championship against Notre Dame, he highlighted the importance of faith, family and friends in guiding the team.

That’s due, partially, to the fact that the Buckeyes have won three straight playoff games — including two in blowout fashion. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for an Ohio State team that appeared to be on the brink of a total failure of a season.

Weeks after facing immense pressure following another Ohio State loss to Michigan, Day is a win away from the college football mountaintop.

Emotionally, this has been a season unlike any other for Ryan Day. Less than two months ago, loud and influential media voices were calling for the firing of the nation’s winningest active coach in the wake of Ohio State’s fourth straight loss to Michigan.

Before the first 12-team College Football Playoff even started, there were already plenty of people suggesting changes for determining future national champions. Ohio State (13-2) and Notre Dame (14-1) aren’t quibbling,

A snow-covered ground and light winds will allow temperatures to drop to the lower single digits for the last time Thursday morning. Temperatures will rebound to the low 20s in the afternoon. We'll see highs climb above freezing for the first time Friday.