The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are set, with the No. 4 Texas Longhorns facing off against the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and promises to be pivotal for both teams as they vie for a spot in the CFP National Championship.
This year’s Cotton Bowl not only holds significance for the teams involved but also for college football history, particularly for the Longhorns. Texas will be making its 23rd appearance at the Cotton Bowl, the most by any team, with this game marking their first visit since 2003. Their last appearance took place at the historic Cotton Bowl stadium before it transitioned to AT&T Stadium. Overall, the Longhorns have participated in 61 bowl games, with their historical performance making their presence at the Cotton Bowl all the more significant.
According to ESPN, Texas advanced to the Cotton Bowl by defeating Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime, showcasing their resilience and determination. On the other hand, Ohio State secured their spot after handily beating previously undefeated Oregon at the Rose Bowl, demonstrating their prowess on the field. The matchup undeniably sets up intrigues, with Texas and Ohio State both entering the game with strong regular-season performances.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this contest will earn the chance to play for the National Championship title, set for January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. College football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting what could be one of the most thrilling games of the season.
When comparing the teams, both show remarkable offensive capabilities. Texas is scoring, on average, 34.3 points per game, which stands against Ohio State’s defensive prowess, allowing only 12.1 points per game. Conversely, Ohio State boasts high offensive stats of 36.4 points per game, well above Texas's defensive metrics, which permits 14.5 points per game. These statistics indicate potential strategic battles between both offensive schemes and defensive setups.
Looking at the key players, the Buckeyes are led by quarterback Will Howard, who has thrown for 3,490 yards to complement his 32 touchdown passes across the season. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith leading receiving stats with 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns, Ohio State's offensive threat will be considerable. On the ground game, TreVeyon Henderson has contributed significantly too, with over 922 rushing yards.
The Longhorns will counter with their star quarterback, Quinn Ewers, throwing for 3,189 yards and securing 29 touchdowns. Running back Jaydon Blue has proven to be effective with 714 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing Texas's versatility on both the ground and air.
Interestingly, logistical hurdles have characterized the lead-up to the game. The CFP decision to not swap kickoff times with the Orange Bowl was made amid scheduling challenges brought on by external pressures, including security concerns following recent events. College Football Playoff Executive Director Rich Clark stated, “Logistics are very complicated, disruptive to the other teams involved... Fans have made arrangements already, and this creates issues for them.” This decision has been made to maintain consistency and safety for all teams and fans involved.
For fans wanting to watch the clash, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with tickets available through platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and Vivid Seats, though ticket prices have started at approximately $456. With fans eagerly scheduling their plans around this monumental event, the Cotton Bowl presents not just competition but also celebration, as both teams attempt to rewrite their narratives within the rich tapestries of college football history.
Finally, the Cotton Bowl matchup culminates years of intense competition between two storied programs, Texas and Ohio State, both etched deeply within college football folklore. With the stakes as high as they are, the excitement building around this finalist matchup promises to deliver some riveting moments and potential game-changing plays to watch. Will Texas reclaim the glory at their most familiar postseason venue, or will Ohio State continue to roll forward?
Whatever the outcome, all eyes will be on Arlington for what promises to be another memorable chapter in Cotton Bowl history.