Ohio State vs. Texas: A Cotton Bowl Semifinal Showdown for the Ages
The stage is set for an electrifying Cotton Bowl as Ohio State and Texas clash in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Both teams have followed vastly different paths to this moment. Ohio State has dominated with commanding victories, while Texas has survived nail-biting encounters, making this showdown a battle of contrasting styles and momentum.
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How They Got Here
Ohio State has been the most impressive team of the playoffs so far, steamrolling past opponents with ease. The Buckeyes opened their campaign with a resounding win over Tennessee before dismantling Oregon in the Rose Bowl. After jumping out to a 34-0 lead against the Ducks, Ohio State cruised to a 41-21 victory, exacting revenge for their regular-season loss to the same team.
Texas, on the other hand, has taken the scenic route to the semifinal. The Longhorns handled Clemson in the opening round, though the Tigers made things interesting in the second half. The real drama came in the Peach Bowl against Arizona State. After squandering a 24-8 lead in the fourth quarter, Texas managed to escape with a double-overtime victory, 39-31.
With Ohio State riding a wave of dominance and Texas fighting tooth and nail to survive, this semifinal promises to be a test of resilience versus raw firepower.
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What’s at Stake?
For Texas, a win would be an epic statement, halting Ohio State’s seemingly unstoppable march toward a national championship and solidifying the Longhorns as a top-tier program under head coach Steve Sarkisian. For Ohio State, this game is about continuing their dominance and setting up what many expect to be a championship-winning season.
The winner of this game will likely enter the title game as the favorite, taking on the victor of the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.
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Key Factors to Watch
1. Can Quinn Ewers Deliver Again?
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has faced scrutiny all season, with questions about his consistency and pressure from backup Arch Manning looming in the background. However, Ewers silenced critics in the Peach Bowl with a stellar performance, throwing for 332 yards and three touchdowns. His precise passing in crunch time, including two flawless touchdown throws in overtime, was instrumental in Texas’ survival.
Against Ohio State’s high-powered offense, Ewers will need to replicate that magic. The Longhorns’ hopes of winning rest heavily on his shoulders, as Texas must keep pace in what could be a high-scoring affair.
2. Can Ohio State’s Offense Be Stopped?
Ohio State’s offense has been on another level, torching elite defenses with a lethal combination of a dynamic passing attack and a bruising ground game. Quarterback Will Howard, supported by star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, has shredded defenses, including a 500-yard masterpiece against Oregon.
The Buckeyes’ ground game, led by TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, adds another layer of complexity for Texas. Together, the duo has racked up nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, creating a pick-your-poison scenario for opposing defenses.
Texas’ defense, once viewed as a strength, showed cracks in the Peach Bowl, allowing Arizona State to run for over 200 yards and rack up 500 total yards. If the Longhorns can’t tighten up their run defense and slow Ohio State’s aerial assault, this game could get out of hand quickly.
3. The SEC vs. Big Ten Rivalry
This postseason has been a showcase of Big Ten dominance over the SEC. Ohio State’s dismantling of Tennessee, coupled with Big Ten victories over SEC opponents in traditional bowl games, has tilted the balance of power this year. Texas represents the SEC’s last hope to restore its reputation against a Big Ten juggernaut.
While conference bragging rights may not directly impact the outcome, the narrative of Big Ten superiority looms large over this semifinal.
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The X-Factor: Home-Field Advantage
The Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium is just 200 miles from Austin, Texas, giving the Longhorns a potential home-field advantage. However, winter weather in Dallas could impact Ohio State fans’ ability to travel, further tilting the crowd support in Texas’ favor.
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What’s Next?
The winner of this high-stakes clash will advance to the national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta, where they’ll face either Penn State or Notre Dame. For Texas, a victory would cement their return to national prominence. For Ohio State, it’s another step toward redemption and glory after years of heartbreak against top rivals.
One thing is certain: when the Longhorns and Buckeyes meet in the Cotton Bowl, college football fans are in for a thrilling spectacle.
