The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Texas Longhorns in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl Classic. Both teams beat an opponent that received a first-round bye in the quarterfinals of this tournament, setting up a battle of established powers in college football. Going into this game, the Buckeyes are favored by 4.5 points, while the total has been set at 52.5 points.
Here, we will preview Ohio State vs Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Continue reading to find out what I think the most important factor is for each side in the Cotton Bowl Classic. You will also find my best bet for this matchup, as I use my college football betting model and years of college football betting experience to identify where the value lies in this battle of storied programs in the sport.
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Ohio State Looks to Keep Cruising In CFP
The Ohio State Buckeyes handed the Oregon Ducks their only loss of the season in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. Despite losing to the Ducks in the regular season, college football betting odds had the Buckeyes as slight favorites in that game. And with Ohio State scoring 34 unanswered points to start the game, the Buckeyes left no doubt that they were the better team at the Rose Bowl, setting up this matchup with Texas.
For Ohio State, the play of quarterback Will Howard will be the key to their success at the Cotton Bowl. Howard was near-flawless in the first half against Oregon, which allowed the Buckeyes to create early separation that took the pressure off of them. Having Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka at wide receiver makes the job of any quarterback easier, but it will be up to Howard to deliver once again in this year’s playoff if Ohio State wants to make it to the national title game.
Can Texas Return to Championship Game?
The Texas Longhorns won the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, needing two overtimes to defeat Arizona State in an instant classic in Atlanta. After going up 14-3 in the first quarter, the Texas offense was largely stifled by the Sun Devils, who mounted a furious comeback to tie the game at 24 by the end of regulation. But Texas scored two touchdowns in their two overtime possessions, including one on a must-have 4th and 13 play in the first overtime period, to survive and advance to this matchup against Ohio State.
For Texas, getting pressure on Will Howard with their defensive front will be key. The Longhorns will not be able to afford to send too many extra pass rushers at Howard, as leaving their defensive backs on islands against Smith and Egbuka could go poorly for them, even with Texas having some future pros on the back end defensively. But if the Longhorns can get pressure with four, they could give their corners enough help to get the job done against one of the best receiving corps in college football.
Ohio State vs Texas Prediction
Our best bet for Ohio State vs Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal is for Ohio State to cover the number as a favorite from Arlington. While Texas will likely have the crowd in their favor playing in their home state, Ohio State is playing the best football of any team in the playoff right now. Look for the passing attack of Ohio State to continue to soar and for their pass rush to cause problems for Quinn Ewers in this can’t-miss matchup.
