Final predictions for the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff
It is semifinals week for the College Football Playoff and that means that Ohio State and Texas will fight it out in the Cotton Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl is a short trip for Texas since it will be playing in Arlington, also a place that the Buckeyes are very familiar with. Ohio State is coming off of a win over top-ranked Oregon, while Texas defeated Arizona State in overtime to move on.
Ahead of the game, multiple writers here at A to Z Sports are ready to share predictions on what will happen.
Ohio State 34, Texas 28
I’m waiting for Ohio State to slow down on offense a bit after two huge performances against Tennessee, and then the Ducks. The Buckeyes are the most dangerous team in the country right now and Jeremiah Smith is leading the way. Texas matches up with Ohio State better than anyone else left in terms of roster makeup. I believe the Buckeyes are just too hot right now and will at least make it to the National Championship. This one will be closer than the last two, but the Buckeyes find a way in the end. —Brandon Little
Ohio State 31, Texas 17
Ohio State’s offensive attack will be challenged more by Texas than anyone they’ve played this season, as the Longhorns have high-end secondary playmakers and a couple of viable pass-rushers. Even with their new fast-paced and more aggressive mindset, the Buckeyes have to tend with Texas’ physicality and speed. However, the only thing that can stop this unit when they’re willing to push the ball downfield and get away from predictable play-calling is Will Howard’s mistakes. I’m not too worried about those, as Howard has played with terrific discernment for the majority of the season.
Texas’ best chance to win is to emulate the Oregon game that was played in Eugene earlier this year. Getting a few turnovers or extra possessions, plus extreme offensive efficiency, is a must. I don’t think that can happen with Quinn Ewers at quarterback, so I foresee a comfortable Buckeyes win. — Ian Valentino
Ohio State 31, Texas 24
The Ohio State Buckeyes are unstoppable right now. 40+ points in both of their last two games. Nearly 1000 total yards of offense in that same span. Their defense allowed less than four yards per play against both Tennessee and Oregon. Freshman phenom wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has scored four touchdowns and put up nearly 300 yards in the playoff. Texas is going to have their hands full on both sides of the ball.
The Longhorns’ top ranked defense has looked less than elite in the playoff so far, allowing nearly six yards per play against Clemson and Arizona State collectively. They still have an extremely talented roster that rivals Ohio State’s, but their key offensive success metrics don’t measure up to the Buckeyes and that will be the difference. This game likely stays close, but Ohio State ultimately wins by a touchdown. —Travis May
Ohio State 31, Texas 28
It’s not being billed as such, but this feels like the de facto national championship. It’s not hard to see both teams advancing on to beat Penn State or Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have all the momentum, and the Longhorns are the ones with second-half offensive issues. If this team was able to put teams away, it might be different. But Texas let Georgia hang around and win the SEC championship game. Clemson stuck around longer than it should. Arizona State nearly pulled it off. Also in games like this, Texas’ kicking inconsistency will be a major problem. Horns have everything clicking big-picture wise; Buckeyes have everything clicking right now. — Brian Davis
