Game Overview

The Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2, ranked #8) will face the Texas Longhorns (13-2, ranked #5) in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The game takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM ET. Both teams aim to secure a spot in the national championship game.

Betting Odds

Ohio State enters as the favorite with a 6-point spread, while the total points line is set at 53.5. Texas is the underdog with a moneyline of +195.

Team Analysis

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State comes into this game with significant momentum after a dominating 41-21 win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes are led by quarterback Will Howard, who has thrown for 3,490 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions this season. Running back TreVeyon Henderson has been explosive, tallying 925 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns despite limited carries.

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith continues to be a game-changer with 1,224 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, making him the primary threat for the Buckeyes' high-powered offense, which averages 39.2 points per game.

Texas Longhorns

Texas is coming off a dramatic 39-31 double-overtime win against Arizona State in the Fiesta Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has had a solid year, throwing for 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Running back Quintin Wisner has been reliable with over 1,000 rushing yards, though the Longhorns lack explosiveness in their rushing attack.

Wide receiver Micah Golden is Ewers' favorite target, recording 936 yards and 9 touchdowns. However, Texas’ defense has struggled at times, particularly against elite offenses, which could be a concern against Ohio State.

Recent Performance

Ohio State Last 5 Games

• 1/1/25: Defeated Oregon 41-21
• 12/21/24: Defeated Tennessee 42-17
• 11/30/24: Lost to Michigan 13-10
• 11/23/24: Defeated Indiana 38-15
• 11/16/24: Defeated Northwestern 31-7

Texas Last 5 Games

• 1/1/25: Defeated Arizona State 39-31 (2OT)
• 12/21/24: Defeated Clemson 38-24
• 12/7/24: Lost to Georgia 22-19 (OT)
• 11/30/24: Defeated Texas A&M 17-7
• 11/23/24: Defeated Kentucky 31-14

Key Matchups

Will Howard vs. Texas Secondary: Ohio State’s quarterback will test a Texas defense that has been inconsistent in pass coverage. Expect Jaxon Smith to be the go-to target.

Ohio State Front Seven vs. Texas Rushing Attack: The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer, could stifle Texas’ run game, forcing Ewers into tough passing situations.

Betting Trends

• Ohio State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
• The total has gone under in 4 of Ohio State's last 6 games.
• Texas is 3-4 ATS in its last 7 games.
• The total has gone over in 3 of Texas' last 5 games.

Prediction