The upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl has garnered significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Scheduled for January 10, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this matchup features two storied programs vying for a spot in the national championship.Analytical models and expert predictions provide insights into how this game might unfold.
Ohio State enters the semifinal with a 12-2 record, having demonstrated offensive prowess and defensive solidity throughout the season.Quarterback Will Howard has been instrumental, boasting a completion rate of 72.6% for 3,490 yards and 32 touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has emerged as a key target, accumulating 1,224 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.cite turn0search2
Texas, with a 13-2 record, has showcased resilience, particularly in their double-overtime victory against Arizona State.Quarterback Quinn Ewers leads the offense with 3,189 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, while running back Quintrevion Wisner has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season.cite turn0search2
Betting odds favor Ohio State by 5.5 points, with an over/under of 53.5 points, indicating expectations of a competitive and moderately high-scoring game.cite turn0search2
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, assigns Ohio State a 60% chance of victory, projecting a final score around 30-24 in favor of the Buckeyes.cite turn0search2
Similarly, Football Scout 365 predicts a 30-24 win for Ohio State, highlighting the Buckeyes’ balanced offense and formidable defense.cite turn0search0
- Ohio State’s Offensive Line vs. Texas’ Defensive Front: Ohio State’s offensive line has faced challenges in pass protection, ranking 106th per Pro Football Focus (PFF).They will contend with Texas’ defensive front, led by Alfred Collins, which excels in creating pressure. citeturn0search0
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State WR) vs. Texas Secondary: Smith’s explosive playmaking will be tested against Texas’ top-ranked PFF secondary, which allows just 5.5 yards per pass attempt.cite turn0search0
- Quinn Ewers (Texas QB) vs. Ohio State’s Pass Rush: Ewers will need to navigate Ohio State’s aggressive pass rush, which leads the nation in sacks, to connect with his playmakers effectively. cite turn 0searcho
- Turnover Battle: Both teams possess defenses capable of forcing turnovers.Winning the turnover margin could be pivotal.
- Special Teams: Field position and successful field goal attempts may influence the game’s outcome, especially in a closely contested matchup.
Analytical models and expert predictions lean towards an Ohio State victory, citing their balanced offense and dominant defense.However, Texas’ resilience and playmaking abilities suggest they should not be underestimated.As with any high-stakes game, execution on the day will be crucial, and both teams have the talent to secure a berth in the national championship.
navlistKey Insights into the Ohio State vs. Texas CFP Semifinalturn0news16,turn0news19,turn0news15