Ohio State football got the help it needed from Utah Friday night.

Sitting on the outside looking in at No. 5 after losing to Michigan 45-23, the Buckeyes watched as No. 11 Utah took down No. 4 USC 47-24 in the Pac-12 championship game, handing the Trojans their second loss and seemingly opening up that No. 4 spot in the College Football Playoff.

"Coach (Ryan) Day, you're welcome," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said postgame.

Ohio State football news:Sign up for the Ohio State Sports Insider text group with Dispatch reporters

Ohio State has made the Playoff three times since winning the national championship in 2014, taking on Clemson in the semifinal in 2016, 2019 and 2020.

Here's how Ohio State players and coaches reacted after the Buckeyes seemingly secured a spot in the final four.

All RB Miyan Williams could do is smile

All QB Devin Brown can do is shrug

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to go

WR Emeka Egbuka is ready to get some revenge

Offensive QC coach Devin Jordan: 'You might set the goal, but God sets the path'

Ohio State poised to make CFP: College Football Playoff back door opens for Ohio State football with Utah win over USC

Meet Ohio State 2023 WR Bryson Rodgers:Bryson Rodgers returns home, aims to continue wide receiver pipeline at Ohio State

Mark Pantoni is picturing coach Ryan Day dancing

2023 SAF commit Jayden Bonsu is ready to watch the Buckeyes' run

Ohio State football is now awake

Ohio State football's 2022 schedule

• Sept. 3: Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10

• Sept. 10: Ohio State 45, Arkansas State 12

• Sept. 17: Ohio State 77, Toledo 21

• Sept. 24: Ohio State 52, Wisconsin 21

• Oct. 1: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 10

• Oct. 8: Ohio State 49, Michigan State 20

• Oct. 22: Ohio State 54, Iowa 10

• Oct. 29: Ohio State 44, Penn State 31

• Nov. 5: Ohio State 21, Northwestern 7

• Nov. 12: Ohio State 56, Indiana 14

• Nov. 19: Ohio State 43, Maryland 30

• Nov. 26: Michigan 45, Ohio State 23

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football reactions to likely CFP return