For what it’s worth, Texas is the lone team still standing that was in the semifinals a year ago. The Longhorns handled Clemson and Arizona State to get here with far different degrees of drama, but they enter this contest as underdogs despite holding the higher seed and playing closer to home. The main reason for that, of course, is the high level of execution Ohio State has demonstrated in demolitions of Tennessee and Oregon, results that left observers wondering just how this team managed to lose two games in the regular season.
Here’s how they match up.
Cotton Bowl – No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State
Time/TV/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Arlington, Texas.
Why watch: You might see more flashy plays in this one, with both teams averaging in excess of 34 points a game. The Buckeyes, however, might have the edge in offensive fire power. The operation begins with the conductor, QB Will Howard, who might have the ultimate weapon at his disposal in the person of WR Jeremiah Smith. It’s also nice to have the backfield platoon of RBs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, who have combined for 1,849 yards and 20 TDs on the ground. LB Anthony Hill Jr. is the unquestioned leader of the Longhorns’ defense, but he’s going to need help from guys like DL Colin Simmons and DB Michael Taaffe to keep all of Ohio State’s playmakers in check. Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers started fast and made two clutch throws in overtime against the Sun Devils but was inconsistent in between. The good news is WR Matthew Golden has emerged as a reliable deep threat to complement go-to TE Gunnar Helm, and RB Jaydon Blue can make things happen from the backfield. But the Ohio State defense has been just as impressive, particularly on the back end where safeties Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs have had opposing passing attacks on lockdown.
Why it could disappoint: The tentative version of the Buckeyes that couldn’t get out of their own way against Michigan appears to be a distant memory. Given how quickly Ohio State put its last two opponents away, the Longhorns can absolutely positively not afford to be slow out of the gate.