The countdown is on for the Cotton Bowl Classic, where the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Texas Longhorns on January 10th at 7:30 PM ET. With high stakes on the line, both teams are looking to make a lasting impression as they battle for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Fans from both teams are buzzing with excitement, each eager to see if their squad will come out on top in this playoff semifinal.
How these teams got here
Ohio State enters the Cotton Bowl as the playoff favorite, thanks to a remarkable season and strong performances in previous playoff games. The Buckeyes have blazed through their playoff journey, outscoring their opponents 83 to 38, showcasing a powerful offense that knows how to put points on the board quickly. Meanwhile, Texas has shown resilience in their own playoff path, edging out Arizona State in a nail-biting double-overtime thriller with a final score of 39-31. This thrilling victory proved their determination and skill, positioning them as worthy contenders.
How the QBs stack up
The quarterback match-up will be a crucial factor in the game’s outcome. Ohio State’s Will Howard has demonstrated excellence in the playoffs, throwing for over 300 yards in each game and making sharp plays when it counts the most. On the other side, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers had some ups and downs during the regular season. However, he stepped up big time in the Peach Bowl, showcasing his potential. The performance of these two quarterbacks could very well determine which team advances in the playoffs.
Texas’ home-field advantage … and the weather
The game is set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While this might seem like an advantage for Texas, as they play in their home state, there is an unexpected player on the field: winter weather. Reports suggest that a winter storm may sweep through the area, affecting game conditions. Cotton Bowl organizers have assured that the game will go ahead as planned, but both teams will need to navigate whatever weather challenges arise.
Players to watch
With such talent on both rosters, several players are primed to steal the spotlight. For Ohio State, TreVeyon Henderson leads the rushing attack, proving to be a powerful force by making big plays and keeping defenses on their toes. On the Texas side, tight end Gunnar Helm has emerged as a favorite target for Ewers, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Fans should keep an eye on these standout players, as they could play pivotal roles in the game’s outcome.
Key to the game
As both teams prepare for battle, there are certain keys to victory they must focus on. For Ohio State, maintaining their high-powered passing offense will be essential. Their ability to exploit Texas’ pass defense—one that has allowed significantly more yards during the playoffs compared to the regular season—could lead to a significant advantage. For Texas, tightening up their defense and executing their game plan effectively could be critical in stifling Ohio State’s explosive offense. How well each team can adapt and execute their strategies will be the key to securing a win in this highly anticipated Cotton Bowl clash.