- What: 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl
- When: January 10, 2025
- Who: Ohio State vs. Texas
- Time:ย 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Cotton Bowl Stadium (Dallas, TX)
The College Football Playoff is here, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to clash with the Texas Longhorns in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup.
With Ohio State favored by 6 points, many bettors are quick to jump on the Buckeyes bandwagon after their recent playoff dominance.
But letโs pump the brakes for a second and take a closer look at why this spread might be a bit too generous for Ohio State.
First off, letโs talk about recent performance versus the overall season. Sure, Ohio State has looked like a freight train in the playoffs, crushing Tennessee and Oregon with a combined score of 83-38.
But letโs not forget that this is the same team that stumbled against Michigan in their regular-season finale.
That loss raises questions about their consistency and whether they can maintain that playoff momentum against a formidable opponent like Texas.
There will be no shortage of online college football betting as the College Football Playoff continues. The biggest game of the season remaining is between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
Game Preview (Ohio State vs. Texas)
Now, letโs shift our focus to the Longhorns. Texas has a strong run game that can control the clock and keep Ohio Stateโs explosive offense off the field.
In their previous loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes struggled against a solid rushing attack, and Texas has the tools to replicate that success.
When it comes to the quarterback matchup, Quinn Ewers has been on fire lately. His performance against Arizona State was nothing short of spectacular, completing 20 of 30 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns.
Ewers has shown he can handle the pressure and deliver when it counts.
On the flip side, Ohio Stateโs Will Howard has had his ups and downs, especially against tough defensive fronts. If Ewers continues to play at this level, he could very well outshine Howard in this matchup.
Letโs not forget about the home-field advantage.
Finally, letโs assess the spread itself. If these teams were to meet on a neutral site at the start of the playoffs, the line would likely be much closer to a pickโem.
The current spread of Ohio State -6 seems inflated based on their recent performances rather than a true reflection of both teamsโ strengths and weaknesses throughout the season.
๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐ป: ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐ ๐ ๐
#GoBucks | @CottonBowlGame pic.twitter.com/29ckTuRgNB— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 7, 2025
While Ohio State has been impressive in the playoffs, the 6-point spread against Texas feels like a trap for bettors.
The Longhorns have the tools to keep this game close, if not pull off the upset.
With a strong run game, an underrated defense, and a quarterback in form, Texas is more than capable of challenging the Buckeyes.
So, before you place that bet on Ohio State, consider the factors at play and remember that this game could be much tighter than the spread suggests.
I would take the points and back the Longhorns here, this one feels like a field goal game.
We want to ensure you maximize your opportunities to make as much money as possible before the season ends. Don't forget to check out our College Football Playoff page to see the best odds available for the remaining games.
Total Points (Buckeyes vs. Longhorns)
Let's discuss the total points that will be scored in this game.
With running backs Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue leading the charge, the Longhorns can grind out yards and eat up valuable time. Defensively, Texas is no slouch either.
They rank 20th in success rate and third in opponent EPA per play, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses. This isnโt just a fluke; the Longhorns have proven they can hang with elite teams.
If they can apply pressure and disrupt Ohio Stateโs rhythm, the Buckeyes might find themselves in a dogfight.
The Cotton Bowl is essentially a home game for Texas, and that crowd will be electric. The Longhorns will have the support of their fans, which can make a significant difference in a high-stakes game like this.
Back in the Semifinals ๐ค
๐ Texas vs. Ohio State
๐ Friday, Jan. 10 | 6:30 PM CT
๐ AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX
๐บ ESPN#HookEm | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/aIlFvASees— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 6, 2025
The atmosphere in Arlington will be charged, and Ohio State will have to contend with that energy.
Oddsmakers setting the total at 53 points, feels a tad high. Especially with news that the weather is going to be cold and snowy for this matchup.
I'd bet on this one being lower scoring game, under 53 points at -105 odds is the best bet in this one.
Check ourย top sportsbook reviewsย for the best odds on your favorite NCAA Football games before placing your bets.
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