The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face off in the Cotton Bowl, a CFP semifinal with a berth in the national championship game at stake. This high-stakes clash features Ohio State as a 6-point favorite, powered by quarterback Will Howard and an offense that’s scored at least 42 points in every non-Big Ten matchup this season. Texas, led by Quinn Ewers, aims to overcome its defensive struggles in the postseason. Don’t miss the action—claim $150 in bonus bets today using the Bet365 bonus code SFA365 and bet on this marquee matchup.
- Spread: Ohio State -6
- Total: O/U 53
- Defense Advantage: Ohio State and Texas are the two best defenses in the nation when adjusted for schedule, but the Buckeyes have a slight edge after allowing an NCAA-low 12.1 points per game this season.
- Offensive Mismatch: Ohio State keeps pumping out star wide receivers, and Jeremiah Smith is their next great with 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
- Bet365 bonus code SFA365: Bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets.
- Risk Factors: Ohio State has a few underclassmen and players playing out of position on the offensive line, so a great Texas defensive front might be able to exploit that to slow them down.
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Texas vs. Ohio State Best Bet Prediction
The Cotton Bowl will be just the fourth ever meeting between Ohio State and Texas as they look for their spot in the national championship game against Notre Dame. Friday’s game sees the Buckeyes as a 6-point favorite at Bet365 with a total of 53 points after some impressive showings from Ohio State in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Despite the quality of the defenses here, Texas has struggled in the postseason after going to overtime in the Peach Bowl with Arizona State before prevailing 39-31. That’s why our Sharp Money focus is looking at the total for this Texas vs. Ohio State preview.
Does Ohio State Keep Rolling Offensively?
Expectations were not the highest coming into the CFP for No. 6 Ohio State, given their 13-10 loss to Michigan to end the regular season and their usual struggles in the postseason under coach Ryan Day. But they have been impressive through two rounds to get to the Cotton Bowl:
- Ohio State shocked Tennessee with a 21-0 lead in the first quarter of the first round before winning 42-17 behind a dominant passing performance by quarterback Will Howard (24-of-29 for 311 yards).
- Even better, the Buckeyes raced out to a 34-0 lead on top-ranked Oregon with Howard connecting on touchdowns of 45 and 43 yards to Jeremiah Smith before winning 41-21 to avenge their 32-31 loss from earlier in the season.
- Texas is in the SEC, and Ohio State has scored at least 42 points in all five games against non-Big Ten opponents this season.
Texas Keeps Surviving Scares
Texas’ first year in the SEC has gone very well with a 13-2 record for coach Steve Sarkisian. He even survived a little quarterback drama when Quinn Ewers was injured and some fans wanted to keep the Arch Manning era rolling, but it’ll be Ewers trying to lead his team to a national championship appearance in the Cotton Bowl.
- The good news for Texas is they aren’t facing Georgia, the team that’s defeated them twice already this season, including a 22-19 loss in the SEC Championship Game.
- In the first round of the CFP against Clemson, Texas nearly blew a 31-10 lead before pulling away for a 38-24 win after Jaydon Blue broke off a 77-yard touchdown run.
- In the Peach Bowl, Texas allowed a season-high 31 points to Arizona State after blowing a 24-8 lead in the fourth quarter that sent the game to overtime where they had to come back to win 39-31.
Offensive Edge: Ohio State
Both defenses are great, but with the way Ohio State has jumped out to huge leads in these playoffs while allowing the fewest points in the nation all year, a fast start will be crucial for the team that wants to win this game. It’s hard not to give the offensive edge to Ohio State too.
- Ohio State quarterback Will Howard ranks No. 2 in QBR (87.3) this season behind only Miami’s Cam Ward (88.7) while Quinn Ewers (76.1) is No. 20.
- In adjusting for schedule, Ohio State’s offense ranks No. 9 in scoring efficiency while Texas is No. 24.
- Ohio State could have the advantage at running the ball because its defense allows just 2.7 yards per carry (No. 2).
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New customers will want to check out this offer during the CFP playoffs when using Bet365 bonus code SFA365 to receive $150 in bonus bets and 50 bonus spins depending on your location.
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets and 50 Spins
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How to Claim the Bonus Before Kickoff
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- Consider over 53 points for the game
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