Head-to-head history
There have only been three all-time meetings between Ohio State and Texas, with the Longhorns going 2-1. The last matchup came way back in 2009, with Texas winning that one. They also beat the Buckeyes in 2005 in a thriller and proceeded to win a National Championship. Despite the lack of history between the two, they’re both storied programs. It will be a must-watch clash at a beautiful stadium.
Ohio State is rolling
Sure, Ohio State lost to an underwhelming Michigan State team in their season finale, but since then, the Buckeyes have looked absolutely dominant. In the first round of the College Football Playoff, they smashed the Tennessee Volunteers 42-17 before having their way with the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, beating Dan Lanning’s squad 41-21. Without a doubt, this is the best team left in the CFP given the way they’re playing.
QB Will Howard was fantastic against Oregon, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State outgained the Ducks 500-276. This was a blowout. TreVeyon Henderson balled out on the ground, rushing for 11.8 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Quinshon Judkins also had 85 rushing yards. Out wide, Jeremiah Smith reeled in seven catches for a mind-boggling 187 yards and two TDs. As you can see, the Buckeyes have a ton of weapons. This squad is scary.
But, don’t forget about their defense, who held Oregon to -23 rushing yards. Yes, you read that correctly. In fact, OU ranks 1st in the country in fewest total yards, fewest passing yards, and fewest points. Needless to say, Quinn Ewers and Co. will have their work seriously cut out for them on Friday in Arlington. Frankly, the Buckeyes would probably be more than a 6.5-point favorite at Sports Interaction if it wasn’t for the home-field advantage for Texas.
Texas has work cut out for them
The Longhorns had a solid campaign, finishing with a 13-2 record. Both of their losses came to Georgia, who also beat them in the SEC Championship. Nevertheless, Texas still made the CFP easily and proved all year they have what it takes to win it all. The heartbreak of falling just short last season motivated Steve Sarkisian’s group.
Ewers had a good season and he played well in the quarterfinals as Arizona State pushed the Longhorns to the absolute limit. The quarterback completed 20 of 30 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. Matthew Golden was his main man out wide as the pass-catcher reeled in seven grabs for 149 yards and a touchdown.
While Texas did blow a big halftime lead, they showed guts to still grind out the win. However, the Longhorns have to be a lot more disciplined defensively against Ohio State because their offense is playing with ridiculous confidence at the moment. It starts with slowing down the run game, which is a clear strength for the Buckeyes. Texas is a slim underdog on home soil at online betting sites.
