Ohio State vs. Texas: Predictions, odds for Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal game
(Editor's note: Follow Ohio State vs. Texas live updates from the Cotton Bowl in the CFP semifinal).
The College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns is hours away from kicking off at AT&T Stadium in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington, Texas.
The Longhorns demonstrated remarkable strength in a thrilling two-overtime quarterfinal match against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Atlanta, where Texas emerged victorious with a 39-31 win in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers played a crucial role in securing the victory by throwing a touchdown pass to Matthew Golden in the second overtime. This win sends the Longhorns back to the Lone Star State for the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Buckeyes were eager to avenge their earlier loss against the top-seeded Oregon Ducks during the regular season. The Buckeyes determination led to a commanding victory in the Rose Bowl, where Ohio State triumphed over previously unbeaten Oregon, 41-21. Buckeyes 1uarterback Will Howard threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, two of which were caught by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who totaled 187 receiving yards.
Ohio State and Texas are just hours away from an exciting semifinal matchup, competing for a chance to play for the national championship. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Cotton Bowl:
Goodyear Cotton Bowl predictions: Ohio State vs. Texas
ESPN: Texas has a 50% chance to win
According to ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Texas Longhorns have a 50.8% chance to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
College Football News: Ohio State
Staff writes: "Texas will do what it always does and get too creative for its own good. Ohio State will be in a fight in the first quarter. Will Howard was brilliant in the first two CFP games, but an early pick followed by an explosive Longhorn drive will set the mood for a far different game than the first two. And then the Buckeyes will kick it back into gear. Sort of like the two Georgia losses, Texas will be terrific for stretches, and then it'll play like it just doesn’t have ... IT. Texas has the talent, and the athleticism, and the want-to, but it doesn’t have that special gear that a far inferior Arizona State team showed in Atlanta. It'll be Ohio State's turn to play in Atlanta on January 20th."
Sporting News: Texas
Kris Johnson writes: "This could be another instant classic for Texas after its rollercoaster win against Arizona State. By all appearances, Ohio State looks like the most complete team left in what began as a 12-team field.The Buckeyes opened as a 5.5-point favorite at DraftKings, but early wagering moved the line to six. It's tempting to play Texas on the moneyline, but we're anticipating the spread could reach a full TD by kickoff. We picked the Longhorns to win the national championship at the outset of the CFP, and will wait for the possibility of additional points ATS."
Goodyear Cotton Bowl odds, lines: Ohio State vs. Texas
The Ohio State Buckeyes are favorites to defeat the Texas Longhorns, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 9
- Spread: Ohio State (-6)
- Moneylines: Ohio State (-250); Texas (+195)
- Over/under: 53.5
Tickets to the Cotton Bowl with StubHub
How to watch Ohio State vs. Texas in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl
- Date: Friday, Jan. 10
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
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