In the Cotton Bowl showdown, Texas and Ohio State will collide after navigating contrasting paths to the College Football Playoff semi-finals. Ohio State has been the standout team thus far, dominating with impressive blowout victories. They avenged a regular-season loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl, securing an easy 41-21 win after taking a commanding 34-0 lead. On the other hand, Texas had a tougher road, surviving a close encounter with Clemson before facing a fierce challenge from Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, eventually prevailing 39-31 in double overtime.
Ohio State is aiming to extend their impressive run against the sole SEC representative, while Texas has the opportunity to make a statement by halting the Buckeyes’ relentless march towards the championship. The winner is expected to be favored in the championship game against the victor of the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.
Three critical factors will shape the outcome of the Cotton Bowl:
1. Can Quinn Ewers maintain his stellar performance? Ewers silenced his critics with an exceptional showing in the Peach Bowl, showcasing his talent with 332 passing yards and three touchdowns. His ability to lead the Longhorns effectively will be crucial in a potentially high-scoring matchup against Ohio State.
2. Can Ohio State’s offense be contained? The Buckeyes have been unstoppable, amassing impressive yardage and executing a dynamic offensive strategy anchored by standout receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Defenses must also account for threats like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, making it a challenging task to limit Ohio State’s offensive prowess.
3. How will the game unfold tactically? Both teams possess potent offensive weapons, setting the stage for an exciting battle. The strategic decisions made by the coaching staffs and the ability of the defenses to make key stops could ultimately determine the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.
Ohio State freshman could be one to test NFL rule. SEC fans face dilemma of rooting for Texas or Big Ten. Can the SEC beat the Big Ten? Not in this postseason. In addition to the Buckeyes’ win against Tennessee, the Big Ten is 3-1 in traditional bowl games against the SEC: Southern California beat Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl, Michigan beat Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Illinois topped South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl, and Iowa lost by a field goal to Missouri in the Music City Bowl.
These results will color the perception of which league rules the FBS. This year, that conference is clearly the Big Ten. But what does that tell us about the Cotton Bowl? Maybe nothing. But heading into another pairing between these two powerhouse leagues, it’s impossible to ignore how the Big Ten has owned the postseason at the cost of the SEC’s national reputation.
Ohio State freshman could be one to test NFL rule. SEC fans face dilemma of rooting for Texas or Big Ten. Can the SEC beat the Big Ten? Not in this postseason. In addition to the Buckeyes’ win against Tennessee, the Big Ten is 3-1 in traditional bowl games against the SEC: Southern California beat Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl, Michigan beat Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Illinois topped South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl, and Iowa lost by a field goal to Missouri in the Music City Bowl.
These results will color the perception of which league rules the FBS. This year, that conference is clearly the Big Ten. But what does that tell us about the Cotton Bowl? Maybe nothing. But heading into another pairing between these two powerhouse leagues, it’s impossible to ignore how the Big Ten has owned the postseason at the cost of the SEC’s national reputation.
