Texas football has made it to the final four teams in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year, putting them within reach of a national championship. The Longhorns are set to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium, with Texas stepping into the game as an underdog for the first time since their victory over Alabama in 2023.
Ohio State boasts a roster filled with NFL talent, many of whom will be eligible for the draft this year. Their quarterback, Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, has struggled against Texas in past matchups, but the Buckeyes have an impressive receiving corps that includes Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, helping Howard enhance his performance as one of the standout quarterbacks in college football. Texas counters with standout defensive players like Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron, alongside safeties Michael Taaffe and Andrew Mukuba, but they will face a significant challenge against Ohio State’s array of weapons.
On offense, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to navigate a well-rounded Ohio State defense, which features a formidable defensive line led by JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, along with safety Caleb Downs who has had an outstanding season. The Longhorns’ rushing attack struggled against Arizona State, and running backs Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue must elevate their game to provide a more balanced offensive strategy.
Predictions from various analysts suggest a tight competition. While some believe Texas could pull off an unexpected win through special teams, others are leaning toward Ohio State due to their balanced team setup. Several experts have consistently chosen Ohio State as the winner, with the College Football Power Index giving the Buckeyes a slim edge of 54% over Texas.
As fans gear up for this exciting matchup, there’s hope that Texas can still deliver a strong performance and potentially surprise their opponents. The game not only highlights the talent of both teams but also showcases the resilient spirit of Texas football, poised to make a statement on the national stage.
In summary, the Cotton Bowl promises to be a closely contested battle between Texas and Ohio State, with predictions pointing to an exciting showdown filled with high stakes and extraordinary talent on both sides.