Eric Boggs
The Cotton Bowl Classic is set to feature a high-stakes clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns, two storied programs ready to light up the field in Arlington, Texas. As Ohio State fans, we’re thrilled to see our team take center stage in one of college football’s most iconic postseason matchups. This preview, brought to you by The OHIO Podcast, dives into every angle of the game from a Buckeye perspective.
Ohio State enters the Cotton Bowl riding an incredible wave of momentum. With dominant victories over Tennessee, and Oregon, the Buckeyes have solidified themselves as the hottest team remaining in the college football playoff. Head coach Ryan Day has this team firing on all cylinders, particularly on offense, where quarterback Will Howard has emerged as a poised and dynamic leader. Howard’s deep arsenal of weapons, led by the electrifying freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, has been instrumental in Ohio State’s high-octane attack that averages over 40 points per game. Smith’s ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays has put opposing defenses on their heels, and with running back TreVeyon Henderson anchoring a balanced ground game, the Buckeyes present a multi-faceted offensive threat.
While Ohio State’s offense has garnered headlines, the defense has been equally impressive. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has transformed this unit into a disciplined, suffocating force. With a ferocious defensive line led by Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State has excelled at stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The linebacking corps, featuring rising star Sonny Styles, has been pivotal in both run support and coverage. Meanwhile, the secondary, patrolled by versatile safeties Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs, has consistently thwarted big-play attempts. This defense, which allows just 19 points per game, will be tasked with containing a Texas offense loaded with talent but prone to inconsistency.
The Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, represent a formidable challenge. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, a former Buckeye, brings a mix of brilliance and unpredictability to the table. His ability to push the ball downfield to playmakers like Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond adds explosiveness to the Longhorns’ passing game. In the backfield, Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue form a dynamic running duo capable of punishing defenses. Texas’ offensive line, while solid, will face one of its toughest tests of the season against Ohio State’s disruptive front.
Defensively, Texas boasts a stout front led by Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, and Jermayne Lole. This group excels at controlling the line of scrimmage and setting the edge, making it imperative for Ohio State’s offensive line to step up. The Longhorns’ linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. defensive back Michael Taaffe add further versatility and playmaking ability to a unit that has been reliable but untested against an offense as potent as Ohio State’s.
The narrative surrounding this game is rich with subplots. Chief among them is Ewers facing his former team, adding an emotional edge to an already intense matchup. Ohio State will aim to remind Ewers why he left Columbus, while Ewers will seek to prove himself against the program he once called home. This layer of drama only heightens the stakes of what already promises to be a physical and strategic battle.
One of the keys to victory for the Buckeyes will be their performance in the trenches. Ohio State’s offensive line must neutralize Texas’ pass rush to give Howard the time and space needed to exploit mismatches in the Longhorns’ secondary. On the defensive side, the Buckeyes must continue their dominance against the run, forcing Texas into a one-dimensional attack that plays into the strengths of Ohio State’s pass rush and coverage schemes. Special teams and red-zone efficiency will also be critical factors, as converting opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals could be the difference-maker.
Playing in Texas gives the Longhorns a natural home-state advantage, with a potentially raucous crowd bolstered by travel challenges for Buckeye fans. However, Ohio State has a history of stepping up in hostile environments and delivering in big moments. This Cotton Bowl clash is no different, as the Buckeyes aim to cap off a season of redemption and growth with a signature win.
From a historical perspective, this game is the fourth meeting between these two programs, with Texas leading the all-time series 2–1. However, Ohio State has a strong track record in the Cotton Bowl, boasting a 2–1 record in previous appearances. This game also sets the stage for a budding rivalry, as the Buckeyes and Longhorns are slated to face off again in the 2025 and 2026 regular season’s, making this matchup the first chapter in what could become a series of high-stakes showdowns.
Ultimately, the Cotton Bowl promises to be a thrilling battle between Ohio State’s momentum and precision against Texas’ raw talent and home-state pride. If the Buckeyes can maintain their offensive explosiveness and defensive discipline, they have a clear path to victory. My prediction: Ohio State 35, Texas 24. Let’s go Bucks!
