Ohio State and Texas Clash in the Cotton Bowl for a Championship Spot

Two of college football’s most historic programs, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 5 Texas, are set to face off in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This semifinal matchup holds high stakes, with the winner advancing to face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 in Atlanta.

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Betting Trends and Odds Favor Ohio State

Ohio State enters the game as a slight favorite, with sportsbooks giving them a 6.0-point edge. The Buckeyes have dominated in their playoff performances so far, but Texas has garnered strong support from bettors despite failing to cover spreads against top-tier neutral-site opponents. Both teams are evenly matched in terms of ATS records this season, with Ohio State at 8-6 and Texas at 8-7. The public also leans heavily toward Ohio State on the moneyline, as 85% of the money supports the Buckeyes to win outright.

Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State’s Offensive Firepower

Jeremiah Smith has been a cornerstone for the Buckeyes’ success this season, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Will Howard has peaked during the playoffs, as Smith recorded 290 receiving yards and four touchdowns across two games. Texas’ defensive backs, led by Michael Taaffe, face a tall order trying to contain Ohio State’s deep receiving corps, which also features Emeka Egbuka.

Texas Seeks Offensive Balance

Texas has struggled to establish a consistent running game, especially evident in their 39-31 double-overtime win against Arizona State, where they averaged just 1.8 yards per carry. Head coach Steve Sarkisian stressed the importance of finding offensive balance, but with a pass-heavy approach likely against Ohio State, quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to be precise. Ewers, a former Ohio State player, enters the game with the added motivation of facing his former program.

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Ohio State’s Fast Starts Could Be Key

The Buckeyes’ ability to dominate early has been a defining characteristic of their playoff run. Against Tennessee and Oregon, Ohio State outscored their opponents 55-8 in the first quarter alone. Ryan Day’s squad thrives on early momentum, forcing opponents into high-pressure situations by building early leads. Texas, on the other hand, has relied on late-game heroics, raising questions about whether they can keep pace from the start.

Prediction: Ohio State Holds the Edge

Ohio State’s dominant performances in the playoffs and their ability to strike early give them a significant advantage. Texas’ inability to establish the run consistently may hinder their ability to keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field. While the Longhorns have shown resilience in close games, Ohio State’s firepower on both sides of the ball should prove decisive.

Final Prediction: Ohio State 27, Texas 23. The Buckeyes’ offensive efficiency and defensive strength will be enough to punch their ticket to the National Championship.

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