The stage is set for one of the most anticipated showdowns of the weekend as the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to clash with the No. 5 Texas Longhorns in the prestigious Cotton Bowl on Friday night in Arlington, Texas.
The Buckeyes, riding a wave of momentum from dominant performances against Tennessee and Oregon, have been on fire in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Texas, despite facing its own struggles, is seen as one of the few teams that can match Ohio State’s talent. To avoid the fate of the Buckeyes’ previous playoff opponents, Texas must kick off with a strong start. Ohio State has outscored its playoff adversaries 35-0 in the first quarter and has consistently put up over 40 points while limiting opponents to no more than 21.
Ohio State’s offensive explosion has been spearheaded by quarterback Will Howard and his dynamic connection with freshman standout Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense has proven nearly unstoppable, but Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, with his seasoned experience, brings hope that the Longhorns can match Ohio State’s explosiveness.
College football analyst David Pollack, however, has no doubts about the outcome. He confidently predicts an Ohio State victory, setting up a national championship showdown with Notre Dame.
“This isn’t going to be a surprise,” Pollack asserted. “Ohio State is the best team in the country, and they’ve shown it since the playoff started. They’ve been dominant. Jeremiah Smith has been incredible. It’s Ohio State’s red-hot form against a Texas team with a suspect defense in the postseason. I’m calling it: 34-21 Ohio State.”
Pollack also hinted at a potential star turn from Emeka Egbuka in this matchup. While Jeremiah Smith has dominated the playoffs with back-to-back 100-yard, two-touchdown games, Egbuka might be the one to steal the spotlight this time.
For Texas, the key to an upset lies in a quick start and finding ways to contain Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut. If the game turns into a shootout, the Longhorns’ ability to keep pace with the Buckeyes could be tested to the limit.
