For the first time this season, the Texas Longhorns are the underdog. Ohio State is a 6-point favorite in the college football playoff semifinal Cotton Bowl Classic.
Since losing to Rival Michigan in the Horseshoe in the last game of the regular season. The Buckeyes have been crushing teams in the CFP so far, with blowouts of Tennessee at home and Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
The Longhorns held off a charging Clemson in the first round before an epic game against Arizona State that went to double overtime.
Texas hasn’t looked dominant in any game since the Oct. 19 loss at DKR to Georgia. But they’ve still won all of those games, except the rematch with the Bulldogs.
Can Texas find its early season form against OSU?
Two games remain, and I can’t help but think of Steve Sarkisian. I’m not sure if I’d want to be in his shoes. Despite potential challenges, Texas has made remarkable progress since he took over.
Texas in the SEC, the sole team in the College Football Playoff, undoubtedly signifies Texas’s return to greatness and hopefully this is just the start. This game evokes nostalgia for many fans, reminding them of the 2005 National Championship. Both teams boast elite talent, so I predict a close game.
Earlier this week, I would have favored Ohio State over Texas, but something about this Texas team’s determination and the media coverage they’ve received has ignited a spark within them. I’m going with an overtime victory for Texas, but it won’t be a pretty win.
Final Score: Texas 30, Ohio State 27
On Friday, the Texas Longhorns will be looking to punch their ticket to the national championship when they take on Ohio State. They will be tasked with stopping a Buckeyes offense that has scored 83 points in their last two games.
To knock off Ohio State, Texas will need a big night from Alfred Collins and Colin Simmons. If that duo can make life difficult for Will Howard, they will be able to slow down the Buckeyes’ offense.
The Longhorns will also need Matthew Golden and Quinn Ewers to continue being a dangerous duo. This should be a high-scoring game that could come down to which defense gets the most stops.
Final Score: Texas 37, Ohio State 30
Everyone seems to be picking Ohio State over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, with good reason. The Buckeyes have bull dozed their first two college football playoff opponents and looked like by far the best team in the CFP.
The Buckeyes have played with a chip on their shoulder since losing to Michigan during Rivalry Week. The Peach Bowl scare might do that same for Texas. UT will making running the ball a priority. If the Horns can find balance on offense and Quinn plays well, Texas can pull the upset.
Especially with the points, Texas is a good bet.
Final Score: Texas 31, Ohio State 28
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. Ohio State in CFP semifinal Cotton Bowl
