The Texas Longhorns, entering the semifinal with a 13-2 record, have shown resilience throughout the playoffs. After a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC title game, they bounced back with a decisive 38-24 victory over Clemson and a double-overtime win against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been pivotal, with standout performances including a 322-yard, three-touchdown game against Arizona State. On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes, holding a 12-2 record, have been on a roll, demolishing Tennessee and Oregon with dominant performances. Quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith have been instrumental in these victories, showcasing Ohio State's offensive strength [1] [4].

Both Texas and Ohio State boast formidable defenses, ranking among the top in the nation. Texas linebacker Colin Simmons leads with nine sacks, and cornerback Jahdae Barron has five interceptions this season. Ohio State's defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer, has been equally impressive, with Sawyer achieving ten sacks this season. The Buckeyes rank first in points allowed per game, while Texas ranks fourth, making defense a crucial component in determining the outcome of this matchup. The game will likely hinge on which team can best disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm [1] [5].

The Cotton Bowl will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, giving the Longhorns a potential home-field advantage despite the neutral-site designation. Ohio State, however, enters the game as a six-point favorite, thanks to their recent dominant performances. The game is scheduled for January 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. Both teams have a rich history in the Cotton Bowl, with Texas having appeared 23 times and Ohio State making their fourth appearance. The winner will face Notre Dame in the national championship game, adding further significance to this already high-stakes matchup [4] [5].