The Cotton Bowl Classic in 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting clash on January 10, 2025, featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes going head-to-head with the Texas Longhorns. This College Football Playoff semifinal will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, starting at 7:30 PM ET. With both teams vying for a chance to compete in the national championship game, fans can expect plenty of thrills and intense moments.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 12-2
Last Game: Dominated Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl.
Key Players:
Will Howard (QB): The young quarterback has been killing it lately, racking up more than 630 yards and five touchdowns in his last couple of playoff games. His ability to read defenses and making fast decisions has been crucial for Ohio State’s offense.
Jeremiah Smith (WR): This freshman standout has rapidly turned into one of Howard’s go-to players, accumulating 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns in his latest games. His quickness and skills in running routes keep him as a serious deep threat.
Jack Sawyer (DE): Sawyer has been a solid defensive leader this season, racking up 10 sacks. His ability to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks will be key when facing Texas’s offensive line.
Texas Longhorns
Record: 13-2
Last Game: Survived a double-overtime thriller against Arizona State, winning 39-31.
Key Players:
Quinn Ewers (QB): The skilled sophomore quarterback is key to Texas’s offensive game plan. With his powerful arm and skills in making plays, Ewers has been great at driving his team down the field.
Colin Simmons (LB): Simmons has been a crucial part of the defense, racking up nine sacks this season. His ability to break up plays will be vital in keeping Ohio State’s strong offense in check.
Jahdae Barron (CB): Barron is the standout player for the Longhorns this season, racking up five interceptions. His ability to create turnovers is key, and he’ll need to bring his A-game when facing Ohio State’s explosive group of receivers.
Key Matchups
Ohio State Offense vs. Texas Defense:
The Buckeyes, with Will Howard at the helm of their explosive passing attack, are set to take on a tough Texas defense known for its ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers.
Jack Sawyer’s skills in breaking up plays and Colin Simmons’ role in shutting down Ohio State’s running game will be crucial.
Texas Offense vs. Ohio State Defense:
Quinn Ewers is going to have to figure out how to break through an Ohio State defense that’s been pretty good at shutting down scoring chances.
The fight in the trenches is going to be key since both teams are looking to get their running game going right from the start.
Special Teams Battle:
Special teams can really change the game in close matchups. Both teams have dependable kickers who can nail long-range field goals, but it’s super important for them to steer clear of blunders like blocked kicks or fumbles on returns.
Betting Odds
Ohio State is currently favored by 5.5 points in the betting lines, and the over/under is at 53.5 total points. This shows that there’s a lot of confidence in how Ohio State has been playing lately and their overall skill compared to Texas.
Ohio State has been on a roll with their recent playoff games, and they know how to put points on the board while keeping their defense solid. I think they’ll just manage to beat Texas in a tight matchup.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 30, Texas 24
This score shows what both teams can do, highlighting Texas’s ability to stay in the game with solid defense and smart offensive strategies.
As the two teams gear up for this epic showdown in Arlington, fans are in for an exciting vibe packed with energy and pressure. The team that comes out on top will not only move on to the national championship but also secure their place in college football lore. With standout athletes on both sides and different playing styles, this Cotton Bowl is set to be an exhilarating match that could be one of the standout moments of the season.