Texas vs. Ohio State: The Epic Cotton Bowl Showdown 2025

The anticipation is building as college football fans prepare for the exciting matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Cotton Bowl. Set for January 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this College Football Playoff semifinal promises to be a spectacular affair.

How to Watch

For those eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can also stream the event live via Fubo (offering a free trial), or secure their seats for the experience through StubHub.

Texas Longhorns: Road to the Semifinals

After securing thrilling victories over formidable opponents, the Texas Longhorns have showcased impressive resilience and strategy. They survived a nail-biter against Arizona State, winning 39-31 in a double-overtime Peach Bowl thriller, with standout performances solidifying their status as a formidable contender. Texas turned the tables on previous adversaries and aims to avoid a rocky start against Ohio State, who has burst out of the gates in their recent Playoff games with explosive initial leads.

Stats to Note:

• Offensive Rank: 17th in total yards (443.9 per game)
• Defensive Rank: 3rd in total yards allowed (277.9 per game)
• Points Scored Per Game: 34.3
• Points Allowed Per Game: 14.5
• Rushing Yards Per Game: 165.5 (ranked 62nd)
• Passing Yards Per Game: 278.4 (ranked 15th)

Ohio State Buckeyes: A Resilient Powerhouse

The Ohio State Buckeyes, on the other hand, have showcased an incredible performance throughout the season and in the playoffs, dominating the competition, including a decisive 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the first round of the playoffs and a staggering 41-21 triumph over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Their offensive prowess has been remarkable, consistently outscoring rivals.

Stat Highlights:

• Offensive Rank: 30th in passing yards (263.4 per game)
• Defensive Rank: 1st in total yards allowed (244.6 per game)
• Score Per Game: 36.4 points (ranked 11th)
• Points Allowed Per Game: 12.1 (ranked 1st)
• Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 101.1 (ranked 8th)

Key Matchup History

This encounter marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between Texas and Ohio State. Historically, these two powerhouse programs have faced off a total of three times in notable competitions:

1. 2005: Texas vs. Ohio State - Texas claimed victory with a last-minute touchdown pass from Vince Young, marking their first historic meeting in the Horseshoe.
2. 2006: Ohio State got revenge with a 24-7 win in Texas, showcasing their defensive strength under quarterback Troy Smith.
3. 2009: In the Fiesta Bowl, Texas edged out Ohio State with a dramatic game-winning drive and touchdown pass in the closing moments.

This game's intensity is amplified by the rich histories and passionate fan bases of both teams, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Predictions and Betting Odds

As the teams prepare for this monumental clash, the betting odds have favored Ohio State with a spread opening at 4.5 and quickly rising to 6.5, reflecting their recent performance. Experts speculate this could transform into a high-scoring affair with a point total set around 54.5, underscoring the prowess of both offensive departments.

• Spread: Ohio State -6.5
• Moneyline Favorite: Ohio State (-227)
• Total: 54 (O: -109, U: -111)

With both teams showcasing exceptional talent and robust strategies, fans can expect an entertaining semifinal. Will Texas leverage their underdog spirit, or will Ohio State solidify their dominance? One thing is for sure: the Cotton Bowl will showcase college football at its finest.

Wrap-Up

Whether you're cheering for the Longhorns or the Buckeyes, the Cotton Bowl will be the place to be. Share your predictions and watch the battle unfold as these two iconic programs aim for glory!