Date: Friday, Jan. 10 / Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / TV: ESPN / Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is set to be a thrilling College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup as the No. 3 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes. This clash features two powerhouse programs with storied histories and two of the best units in all of college football—Texas’ suffocating defense against Ohio State’s explosive offense.
Texas and Ohio State have met only three times before, with Texas holding a 2-1 advantage in the series. Their last meeting came in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, where the Longhorns edged the Buckeyes 24-21 behind a dazzling 400-yard passing performance from Heisman runner-up Colt McCoy. Prior to that, the two teams traded road victories in the 2005 and 2006 regular seasons. All previous meetings occurred in the BCS era, making this their first encounter in the College Football Playoff era.
Texas enters the semifinal after a rollercoaster season. Following a narrow loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game that denied them a first-round bye, the Longhorns rebounded with a 38-24 victory over Clemson in the opening round and a dramatic double-overtime Peach Bowl win against Arizona State.
Ohio State‘s season also featured a late stumble, as the Buckeyes fell to archrival Michigan to close the regular season. However, they bounced back in style with dominant playoff performances, routing Tennessee and shocking top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
While both teams boast high-powered offenses, defense will likely decide this Cotton Bowl matchup. Both Texas and Ohio State rank in the top five nationally in total yards and points allowed per game.
Texas defensive strength lies in its ability to generate pressure and create turnovers, while Ohio State relies on its dominant defensive line to control the line of scrimmage. Whichever unit can make timely stops or force turnovers will likely propel its team to the National Championship Game.
This semifinal promises to be a tightly contested battle. Texas will lean on its defensive prowess and home-state crowd support to stifle Ohio State’s dynamic passing game. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ recent offensive explosion and depth of playmakers could overwhelm even the stoutest defense.
With history, stakes, and talent all in play, this Cotton Bowl Classic is poised to deliver one of the most memorable matchups in College Football Playoff history. Will Texas advance to its first National Championship Game in the CFP era, or will Ohio State return to the title game to chase another crown? Tune in on Jan. 10 to find out.
Key Players to Watch
Ohio State
- Will Howard (QB): The Buckeyes’ signal-caller is red-hot, throwing for 630 yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs so far. His ability to handle Texas’ pass rush will be critical.
- Jeremiah Smith (WR): The freshman phenom has been unstoppable in the postseason, amassing 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns in two games.
- Jack Sawyer (DE): Ohio State’s defensive anchor leads the team with 10 sacks on the season, including two in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. His presence will be vital against Texas’ offensive line.
Texas
- Colin Simmons (LB): The Longhorns’ defensive leader boasts nine sacks this season and will be tasked with disrupting Will Howard’s rhythm.
- Jahdae Barron (CB): With five interceptions this year, Barron will be a key figure in slowing down Ohio State’s passing attack.
