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The College Football Playoff Semifinals feature a marquee matchup between the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2) and the #5 Texas Longhorns (13-2) in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Both teams arrive at this stage after thrilling victories in the CFP, setting the stage for a showdown of elite talent and contrasting styles.
Ohio State began the season with high expectations, boasting one of the most talented rosters in college football. However, their regular season included moments of inconsistency, such as a shocking home finale loss to archrival Michigan. Despite this setback, the Buckeyes rebounded in the playoff with dominant victories over Tennessee (42-17) and top-ranked Oregon (41-21).
The Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl win against Oregon was a statement performance. Their defensive line wreaked havoc, recording 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, holding Oregon to a staggering -23 rushing yards. This dominance marked a stark contrast to their earlier season loss to Oregon, where Ohio State’s defense struggled.
Offensively, quarterback Will Howard was clinical, throwing for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns, while freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith shined with 187 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins added balance to the attack, combining for 179 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
With their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense playing at an elite level, Ohio State enters this semifinal matchup as a team peaking at the perfect time.
The Texas Longhorns have re-emerged as a national powerhouse under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns just emerged victorious with an electrifying double-overtime win against Arizona State in the CFP quarterfinals, surviving 39-31 in a game full of drama and resilience.
Texas’ defense was key in the first half, holding Arizona State to just 3 points and scoring on a punt return. However, their offense struggled to sustain drives, allowing Arizona State to mount a late comeback. QB Quinn Ewers, still battling injuries, delivered a clutch 28-yard touchdown pass on 4th and 13 in overtime, showcasing his grit despite an uneven performance.
The Longhorns’ defensive line is among the best in the country, capable of disrupting opposing offenses with relentless pressure and depth. However, their secondary has been vulnerable, particularly against elite receivers. Offensively, the run game has been inconsistent, highlighted by a meager 53 rushing yards against Arizona State. Texas will need a complete team effort to contend with Ohio State’s explosive offense and surging defensive front.
This semifinal clash is a classic battle of strength versus strength. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by QB Will Howard and the dynamic receiving duo of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, will test Texas stout defense. Conversely, Texas’ deep defensive line will aim to neutralize Ohio State’s ground game and pressure Howard into mistakes.
The Buckeyes defense has been the X-factor in their playoff run. After dismantling Tennessee and Oregon, they now face a Texas offensive line that will be the best the Buckeyes have seen thus far in the CFP. If Ohio State can continue to rise to the occasion and replicate its recent dominance in the trenches, it could spell trouble for a Longhorns offense that has struggled to find rhythm.
For Texas, the key will be their ability to limit big plays. Their safeties have been reliable, but their corners face a daunting challenge against Smith and Egbuka. Offensively, Texas needs a healthier and sharper Ewers to exploit Ohio State’s secondary, which has occasionally shown cracks.
Both teams have elite talent, but Ohio State’s form and balanced attack give them an edge. Expect the Buckeyes’ combination of defensive pressure and offensive explosiveness to prove decisive.
Smith has been a revelation in the CFP, racking up 290 yards and 4 touchdowns in two games. Texas’ secondary is solid but lacks the talent to contain a player of Smith’s caliber, especially given Ohio State’s ability to spread the field and create mismatches. Expect another standout performance from the freshman phenom as Ohio State advances to the national championship.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.