Texas vs Ohio State: A Clash of Titans in the Cotton Bowl

Texas vs. Ohio State: A Clash of Titans in the Cotton Bowl

The College Football Playoff semifinals culminate with a highly anticipated showdown between the No. 5 Texas Longhorns and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the 89th Cotton Bowl Classic. This marquee matchup will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, January 10th, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

This clash of titans promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Ohio State boasts a high-powered offense, while Texas boasts one of the most formidable defenses in the nation. The Longhorns, despite a heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, have showcased their resilience with impressive playoff victories over Clemson and Arizona State. Ohio State, after a late-season loss to Michigan, rebounded with dominant wins over Tennessee and Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

Offensive Firepower and Defensive Prowess

Ohio State's offense has been a juggernaut, led by quarterback Will Howard, who has been on a tear in the playoffs with 630 passing yards and five touchdowns. Freshman phenom wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been unstoppable, hauling in 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns in their two playoff victories.

While both teams possess potent offenses, defense will be paramount in this contest. Texas boasts a formidable defense, anchored by linebacker Colin Simmons, who leads the team with nine sacks, and cornerback Jahdae Barron, who has intercepted five passes this season. Ohio State's defensive line is a force to be reckoned with, spearheaded by Jack Sawyer, who recorded two sacks against Oregon in the Rose Bowl and boasts 10 sacks on the season. Both teams rank among the top five in college football in terms of fewest total yards and points allowed per game.

Series History

Texas and Ohio State have a limited but storied history, with the Longhorns holding a slight 2-1 advantage. Their most recent encounter occurred in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, where Texas emerged victorious 24-21 behind a stellar performance by Heisman Trophy runner-up Colt McCoy. Prior to that, the two teams faced off in back-to-back seasons (2005 and 2006), with each team securing a road victory.

This Cotton Bowl Classic marks the first meeting between these two powerhouses in the College Football Playoff era and promises to be a memorable chapter in their rivalry.

Key Matchups:

• Texas' Defense vs. Ohio State's Explosive Offense: Can the Longhorns' stout defense contain Ohio State's high-powered attack led by Howard and Smith?

  
  

• Ohio State's Defensive Line vs. Texas' Offensive Line: The Buckeyes' defensive front will need to generate pressure on the Texas quarterback while containing the Longhorns' rushing attack.

  
  

• Special Teams Battle: Field position and special teams play will be crucial in a game that is expected to be tightly contested.

  
  

This Cotton Bowl Classic is set to be an exciting and intense contest between two of college football's top programs. The victor will move on to the National Championship Game, securing their status among the nation's elite.

CFP championship history

Season	Champion
2023	Michigan
2022	Georgia
2021	Georgia
2020	Alabama
2019	LSU
2018	Clemson
2017	Alabama
2016	Clemson
2015	Alabama
2014	Ohio State