B
Cotton Bowl Preview: Texas vs. Ohio State
The Cotton Bowl is set to host a thrilling matchup between two college football powerhouses: Texas and Ohio State. The Buckeyes, led by coach Ryan Day, enter the game as the hottest team in the country, while the Longhorns, under Steve Sarkisian, look to pull off an upset.
Ohio State’s High-Powered Offense
The Buckeyes’ offense is a force to be reckoned with, boasting an array of talented players. Quarterback Will Howard has been impressive in the playoffs, throwing for 11.4 yards per attempt. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been unstoppable, with 16 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs alone. The Buckeyes’ offense has been explosive, scoring four touchdowns of at least 40 yards in the first half against Oregon.
Texas’ Defensive Challenge
The Longhorns’ defense faces a daunting task in slowing down the Buckeyes’ offense. However, they have the talent to do so. Cornerback Jahdae Barron, the Thorpe Award winner, will be tasked with limiting Smith’s explosive plays. The Longhorns’ pass rush, led by freshman Colin Simmons, will look to pressure Howard and force ill-advised throws.
Despite being underdogs, the Longhorns have a chance to upset the Buckeyes. Their dominant offensive line, led by All-American Kelvin Banks, can neutralize Ohio State’s pass rush. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown his ability to perform under pressure, throwing for 322 yards and three scores in the overtime win against Arizona State.
While the Longhorns have the talent to compete with the Buckeyes, they may struggle to keep up in a shootout. Ohio State’s offense has been nearly unstoppable in the playoffs, and it’s unclear if Texas has the defensive firepower to slow them down.
The Cotton Bowl promises to be an exciting matchup between two of college football’s top programs. Can the Longhorns pull off the upset, or will the Buckeyes continue their dominant run?
