Ohio State vs. Texas: Cotton Bowl Semifinal Preview, Betting Odds, and Key Matchups
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in the College Football Playoff semifinals as the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes take on the No. 3 Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl. Scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the game promises to be a thrilling clash with a berth in the CFP Championship Game on the line.
Both teams have proven their mettle during the postseason. Ohio State dominated Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl, while Texas survived a double-overtime thriller to edge Arizona State 39-31 in the Peach Bowl. This matchup features elite talent on both sides of the ball and intriguing storylines, as the Longhorns seek to extend their all-time series lead (currently 2-1) over the Buckeyes, with the teams’ last meeting dating back to 2009.
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Betting Odds and Trends
Spread: Ohio State -5.5
Over/Under: 53.5 points
Money Line: Ohio State -235, Texas +192
Ohio State Trends: The Buckeyes have covered the spread in five of their last seven games.
Texas Trends: The Longhorns have won outright in 12 of their last 14 games.
Before making your picks, the SportsLine Projection Model offers valuable insights, simulating every FBS game 10,000 times and delivering consistent profits on college football betting.
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Why Ohio State Can Cover
1. Elite Quarterback Play
Senior quarterback Will Howard has been nothing short of sensational this season. In the Rose Bowl win over Oregon, he completed 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, maintaining his poise against a strong Ducks defense. For the year, Howard has completed 72.6% of his passes for 3,490 yards, 32 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, earning a stellar quarterback rating of 175.8.
2. Rising Star at Wide Receiver
True freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in college football. Smith tallied seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon and boasts an impressive season stat line of 70 receptions, 1,224 yards, and 14 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field will test the Longhorns’ secondary.
3. Dominant Defense
Ohio State’s defense has been a nightmare for opponents, particularly in the trenches. The Buckeyes sacked Oregon’s quarterback eight times in the Rose Bowl, showcasing their ability to disrupt even the most efficient offenses.
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Why Texas Can Cover
1. Dynamic Offense Led by Quinn Ewers
Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers has been the driving force behind Texas’ explosive offense. Ewers has thrown for 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions this season, including a clutch 322-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Peach Bowl. His ability to make plays under pressure will be crucial against Ohio State’s aggressive defense.
2. Balanced Ground Game
Sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner has been a workhorse for
