Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Preview, How to Watch, and Betting Odds

As the Texas Longhorns prepare to return to Atlanta and compete for a national title for the first time since 2009, they will face an Ohio State Buckeyes squad that has seemed as bit as dangerous as many predicted in the preseason.

Since their regular-season finale defeat to Michigan, the Buckeyes have been on a tear. Starting with a first-round home playoff triumph over the Tennessee Volunteers, the Buckeyes overwhelmed the No. 9 seed, accumulating 473 total yards of offense on their way to a 42-17 victory.

Then, on a neutral field at the Rose Bowl, the Buckeyes avenged a regular-season loss by defeating the previously undefeated Oregon Ducks 41-21. It was a significant improvement over Oregon’s exciting 32-31 victory over Ohio State a few months prior. This may leave you asking what has changed at Ohio State.

For starters, their defense is performing exceptionally well. Since being embarrassed in their regular-season finale defeat to the Wolverines, who won 13-10 despite throwing for only 62 yards, the Buckeyes’ defense has forced their opponents to be one-dimensional on offense.

In the first round, they accomplished it with their pass rush and secondary, sacking Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava four times and limiting him to 104 yards passing. The Ducks were restricted to -23 rushing yards against Oregon. Yes, you read it correctly. Negative running yards were mostly due to Ohio State’s powerful pass rush, which sacked Dillon Gabriel eight times.

However, Texas will face more than just defense. Will Howard, Ohio State’s senior quarterback, has been the driving force behind the offense. The former Kansas State transfer, who admittedly has never defeated the Longhorns, has passed for more than 300 yards in both postseason victories. Howard’s connection to freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith has been on full show.

The former five-star recruit has 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns this postseason. Meanwhile, his teammate Emeka Egbuka has accumulated over 100 yards in the same time span.

However, for all of the potential obstacles that the Buckeyes will provide, the Longhorns will also pose some for Ohio State. For starters, junior quarterback Quinn Ewers is “as healthy as he’s been in a long time,” which has shown in his postseason performances. While the Texas defense has shown vulnerabilities in wins over Clemson and Arizona State, it is still regarded as one of the best in the country.

Following Georgia’s elimination, the Cotton Bowl will feature the team with the highest odds to win it all, Ohio State, and the third-best, Texas, making it even more of a must-see.

Here’s how you can watch or listen to the game a week from Friday, as well as the betting lines:

How to Watch Number 5 Texas vs No. 8 Ohio State:
Game day: Friday, January 10, 2025.
Location: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas.
Game time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Television: ABC
Listen to Longhorn Radio Network.
Fully updated. Texas vs. Ohio State betting odds on DraftKings:
Spread: Ohio State -6 (-110), Texas +6 (-110).
Over/Under: O 53.5 (-110); U 53.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Texas (+185), Ohio State (-225)