Two of faculty soccer’s winningest packages face off within the 2025 Cotton Bowl as 5-seed Texas performs 8-seed Ohio State with a visit to the Faculty Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship on the road.
Ohio State misplaced two video games within the common season however has appeared almost invincible via two CFP video games. The Buckeyes crushed Tennessee by 25 factors within the opening spherical and eviscerated undefeated 1-seed Oregon 41-21 in maybe essentially the most spectacular efficiency of the playoff. The Longhorns, in the meantime, obtained previous 12-seed Clemson within the first spherical earlier than outlasting 4-seed Arizona State in double extra time to achieve the semis.
Texas and Ohio State have performed solely 3 times in historical past, and all three featured groups that went on to make nationwide championship video games in the identical calendar 12 months. In the latest battle, Texas beat Ohio State 24-21 within the 2009 Fiesta Bowl behind 171 yards and two touchdowns from receiver Quan Cosby.
Texas vs. Ohio State: Must know
Gamebreaking extensive receiver: Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith was the primary No. 1 total receiver recruit since 2012, and he has already exceeded his lofty expectations. In two playoff video games, Smith has posted an absurd 13 catches for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns in opposition to extremely ranked secondaries. Texas has maybe one of the best secondary group within the nation, headlined by Thorpe Award successful nickel Jahdae Barron, however they’ve but to face a receiver the caliber of Smith.
Unimaginable defenses: Steve Sarkisian and Ryan Day are offensive-minded coaches. Penn State and Notre Dame are identified for protection. Do not get confused, although — the Cotton Bowl is a battle of the 2 prime defenses in faculty soccer. Ohio State and Texas each rank top-three nationally in complete protection, yards per play protection and passing protection whereas pushing solely to prime 4 in scoring protection. Notre Dame and Penn State do not rank as excessive in any. Even when each groups discover some scoring alternatives, it will likely be an incredible battle.
Dashing points: For all of the speak about quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Texas offense goes with its operating sport. In 13 wins, Texas averages 4.8 yards per carry. In two losses, they fell to 1.1 yards per carry. Even in opposition to Arizona State, a mid-tier rush protection, the Longhorns mustered solely 30 carries for 53 yards. Ohio State held a gifted Oregon speeding offense to -23 yards. The matchup may flip right into a nightmare.
The way to watch Cotton Bowl stay
Date: Friday, Jan. 10 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas
TV: ESPN | Reside stream: Fubo (Attempt at no cost)
Cotton Bowl prediction, picks
Texas has put collectively a strong season and is definitely the most effective groups within the nation. But when Ohio State’s transformation during the last two weeks is everlasting, the Buckeyes are one of the best crew within the nation. The Longhorns will have the ability to trigger issues for Ohio State’s passing sport, however their offense merely will not have the ability to put up factors in a battle of two elite defenses. The Buckeyes will outlast the ‘Horns and transfer on to the CFP Nationwide Championship. Decide: Ohio State -5.5
SportsLine’s confirmed laptop mannequin is asking for 10 outright upsets throughout faculty soccer’s bowl and playoff season. Go to SportsLine now to see all of them, plus get unfold picks for each sport from the mannequin that simulates each matchup 10,000 occasions.
