Cotton Bowl: Ohio State and Texas Prepare for Epic CFP Semifinal Battle
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal games of the year, as Ohio State and Texas clash at the Cotton Bowl. From an initial pool of 12 CFP contenders, only four teams remain, and the winner of this epic Big Ten vs. SEC showdown will advance to the CFP National Championship. Awaiting the victor will be either Penn State or Notre Dame, who square off in the Orange Bowl. Both Ohio State and Texas have had stellar seasons, showcasing some of their finest football in years, and now their contrasting journeys intersect on one of college football’s grandest stages.
This matchup marks the fourth meeting between these storied programs. The Buckeyes and Longhorns split a memorable home-and-home series in 2005 and 2006, followed by Texas claiming victory in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State comes into its fourth Cotton Bowl with a solid 2-1 record, while Texas, a Cotton Bowl regular due to its long-standing Big 12 ties, appears for the 23rd time, carrying a 12-10 record at the iconic venue.
For Ohio State, a win would mark their first trip to the national championship game since the 2020 season and the second in the CFP era. For Texas, a victory would secure their first championship game appearance since the unforgettable 2006 Rose Bowl.
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How They Arrived at the Cotton Bowl
Texas: A Season of Redemption
Texas entered the season as one of the frontrunners to claim the national championship, and the Longhorns largely lived up to the hype. They kicked off with six straight wins, including marquee victories over Michigan and Oklahoma, before a humbling 30-15 loss to Georgia brought them back to earth. Refusing to falter, Texas rebounded with five consecutive wins, securing a spot in the SEC Championship in their inaugural season in the conference. However, Georgia once again stood in their way and handed the Longhorns a second loss.
Despite finishing as the SEC runner-up, Texas earned the fifth seed in the CFP and hosted ACC Champion Clemson in the first round. The Longhorns recovered quickly after conceding an early touchdown, going on a 21-0 scoring spree that propelled them to a commanding 38-24 win. In the quarterfinals, they faced Big 12 Champion Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. After building a 24-8 lead, Texas had to withstand a late surge by the Sun Devils, eventually prevailing in double overtime. Their resilience under pressure has been a hallmark this season.
Ohio State: Overcoming Adversity
Ohio State’s season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After dispatching three Group of Five opponents, the Buckeyes started Big Ten play strong before suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss to Oregon. They quickly rebounded with nail-biting victories over Nebraska and Penn State, eventually amassing a string of impressive wins, including one against a top-five Indiana team. However, a shocking loss to Michigan dashed their hopes of a Big Ten title, relegating them to the eighth seed in the CFP.
The Buckeyes responded with determination, thrashing Tennessee 21-0 in the first quarter en route to a dominant 38-14 victory in the opening round. Their next challenge came in the Rose Bowl, where Ohio State dismantled top-ranked Oregon 41-21 after jumping out to a 34-0 lead. Momentum and confidence now favor the Buckeyes as they prepare for Texas.
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Key Matchups: When Texas Has the Ball
Texas’ offense is spearheaded by third-year quarterback Quinn Ewers, a former Buckeye turned Longhorn. Ewers has been a consistent force, throwing for 3,189 yards and leading the SEC with 29 touchdowns. His passing arsenal includes standout tight end Gunnar Helm and wide receivers Matthew Golden and Ryan Wingo. Although Isaiah Bond’s absence due to injury has hampered the receiving corps, the Longhorns remain dangerous. The ground game, led by Tre Wisner (1,018 yards, five touchdowns) and Jaydon Blue, adds balance to their attack.
However, Texas faces its toughest challenge yet against Ohio State’s elite defense, which ranks first in scoring, passing, and total defense while also boasting the fifth-best rushing defense. Defensive linemen Jack Sawyer and Jaylahn Tuimoloau have come alive during the CFP, combining for 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in just two playoff games. Ohio State’s secondary, led by Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, will be tested but could stymie Ewers if they avoid penalties and maintain discipline.
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Key Matchups: When Ohio State Has the Ball
Ohio State’s offense has reached a new level in the playoffs, with quarterback Will Howard completing 41 of 55 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The emergence of freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith has been critical. Smith, averaging an astounding 22.3 yards per reception, has provided explosive plays that demoralize defenses. However, the Buckeyes’ offensive line, which has adapted to significant personnel changes, must continue its stellar performance against Texas’ ferocious front seven.
Texas’ defense, led by Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron, excels at creating turnovers and limiting big plays. Their front line is particularly daunting, with four players recording at least 10 tackles for loss and five sacks this season. Ranked third in total and passing defense and fourth in scoring defense, the Longhorns are the toughest defensive unit Ohio State has faced. Stopping Smith and forcing Howard into quick decisions will be crucial if Texas hopes to contain the Buckeyes.
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Final Thoughts
Both Ohio State and Texas have faced adversity and triumphed, setting the stage for an unforgettable Cotton Bowl. Ohio State’s momentum and suffocating defense clash against Texas’ balanced offense and formidable front seven. For fans, it promises to be a thrilling chapter in college football history as these two storied programs battle for a spot in the CFP National Championship.
