The Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns clash in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, January 10, with a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line. The game, hosted at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will pit two storied programs against each other in their first meeting since 2009. For Pay Per Head bookies, this semifinal matchup is a perfect opportunity to engage players and boost profits. Check out WagerHome for the best PPH services to grow your sportsbook and get ready for game day!
Ohio State enters the game with momentum after dominant playoff wins over Tennessee and Oregon, while Texas has shown resilience, surviving a double-overtime thriller against Arizona State in the quarterfinals. Let’s break down what to expect from both teams and provide predictions for this marquee matchup.
Ohio State Preview – Buckeyes Dominating the Playoff
Ohio State has flexed its muscles during the playoffs, outscoring opponents 83-38 over its first two games. Quarterback Will Howard has been efficient, and the offense has leaned heavily on star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith set a Big Ten freshman record with 14 touchdown receptions, including two in the first half against Oregon. His explosive performances have kept defenses on their heels.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson has been equally impressive, averaging 9.8 yards per carry in the playoffs. Henderson has tallied 174 rushing yards and four touchdowns against two of the nation’s top defenses, Tennessee and Oregon. The Buckeyes’ offense, ranked eighth in the nation, is firing on all cylinders at the right time.
Defensively, Ohio State boasts the No. 1 unit in the country. The Buckeyes tallied eight sacks against Oregon, led by defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, who has been a force in the trenches. With a defensive front that applies relentless pressure and a secondary that excels in coverage, Ohio State has the tools to shut down any opponent.
Texas Preview – Longhorns Fighting for Consistency
The Longhorns have had an up-and-down playoff journey, narrowly escaping Arizona State in double overtime. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been solid, leading the team with poise and big-play ability. Texas also features a dangerous defense, anchored by true freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who bring speed and physicality to every snap.
Texas’ secondary is a strength, highlighted by Thorpe Award-winning cornerback Jahdae Barron and safety Andrew Mukuba, who sealed the win over Arizona State with a game-winning interception. However, the Longhorns’ inconsistency and late-game struggles have been concerning. Special teams woes, including missed field goals by kicker Bert Auburn, could also be a factor in a high-stakes game like this.
PPH Betting Prediction
Ohio State has been dominant in the playoffs, while Texas has shown vulnerability. The Buckeyes’ ability to control the game on both sides of the ball gives them a significant edge. Expect Ohio State to exploit Texas’ weaknesses and maintain its playoff momentum. With the spread at -4.5, the Buckeyes look like the stronger play.
Pick: Ohio State -4.5
Conclusion
The Cotton Bowl will showcase two powerhouse programs battling for a spot in the National Championship, making this a must-watch event. Ohio State’s form and balanced attack give them a clear edge, but Texas won’t go down without a fight. For bookies looking to capitalize on this exciting playoff matchup, WagerHome offers industry-leading Pay Per Head services to help you maximize profits. Don’t miss the action—gear up for game day and take your sportsbook to the next level!
