Which team, the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Texas Longhorns, will win the Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoffs?
Which Team Will Win the Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoffs: Ohio State Buckeyes or Texas Longhorns?
As the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) approaches, excitement is building for the Cotton Bowl matchup, featuring two of the most prestigious and historic programs in college football history: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Both teams have had stellar seasons, and this showdown promises to be a thrilling contest with high stakes, as the winner advances to the CFP National Championship Game. But the question remains: which team will come out on top in the Cotton Bowl?
In this analysis, we will break down the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, look at the key players, and predict how each team might approach this game. We will also evaluate coaching styles, the overall dynamics of both teams, and the potential outcome of this high-stakes matchup. By the end of this analysis, we’ll have a clearer picture of which team has the edge in the Cotton Bowl.
Ohio State Buckeyes: A Legacy of Consistency and Dominance
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a perennial power in college football. Under head coach Ryan Day, they have maintained their reputation as one of the nation’s elite programs. The Buckeyes have had a dominant season in 2024, with a balanced and explosive offense and a defense that has returned to elite status.
Offensive Firepower
At the heart of Ohio State’s offense is Kyle McCord, who took over as the starting quarterback in 2024 after C.J. Stroud’s departure to the NFL. McCord has demonstrated his ability to lead the offense with poise and precision, building off a strong supporting cast. McCord’s numbers are solid, with impressive efficiency and the ability to stretch the field vertically. He’s developed a strong connection with Marvin Harrison Jr., arguably the best wide receiver in college football. Harrison’s playmaking ability and route-running precision make him a matchup nightmare for any defense, and he will undoubtedly be McCord’s go-to target in this matchup against Texas.
In the backfield, Ohio State boasts Travon Henderson and Miyan Williams, a dynamic duo capable of controlling the tempo of the game on the ground. Their running ability balances out the high-flying passing attack and provides McCord with the option to rely on the ground game when necessary.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, Ohio State has a loaded roster, with an elite defensive line led by JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. The Buckeyes’ defensive front is capable of creating havoc in the backfield, pressuring the quarterback, and stopping the run. Ohio State’s secondary, while not quite as dominant as the defensive line, has been solid throughout the season, with cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jyaire Brown playing well against top-tier competition.
The Buckeyes’ defense will need to rise to the occasion against a high-powered Texas offense. Their ability to pressure Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will be critical, as Ewers has been known to struggle under heavy pressure.
Coaching and Game Planning
Ryan Day has proven himself to be an elite coach, leading Ohio State to numerous Big Ten titles and playoff appearances. His ability to adapt to different opponents and manage the game tactically has been a significant factor in Ohio State’s success. Day is an excellent offensive strategist and has consistently been able to put his quarterbacks in positions to succeed.
On the defensive side, Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, has done an excellent job of molding the defense into a formidable unit. Knowles’ aggressive defensive schemes and emphasis on pressuring the quarterback will be crucial in disrupting Texas’ offensive rhythm.
Texas Longhorns: A Resurgent Power in College Football
The Texas Longhorns are in the midst of a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. After several years of underperformance, the Longhorns have bounced back in 2024 with an explosive offense and a defense that has played at an elite level. Texas enters the Cotton Bowl with momentum, but they will face their toughest test of the season against Ohio State.
Offensive Weapons
The Texas offense is centered around Quinn Ewers, a talented but sometimes inconsistent quarterback. Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance in 2024, especially with his deep ball accuracy and ability to lead his team in clutch situations. His connection with Xavier Worthy, one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the country, will be key to Texas’ success. Worthy has the speed and agility to stretch defenses vertically, and his ability to create separation on deep routes will give Ohio State’s secondary problems.
Texas also boasts an impressive running back duo in Jonathon Brooks and Bijan Robinson’s replacement Cedric Baxter Jr.. Brooks has been a workhorse in the backfield, providing the Longhorns with a reliable ground game that keeps defenses honest. The ability of Texas to establish the run will be critical in keeping Ohio State’s pass rush from pinning its ears back and going after Ewers.
Defensive Strength
On defense, Texas has shown significant improvement in 2024. Alfred Collins, T’Vondre Sweat, and Byron Murphy II form a powerful defensive line that can pressure opposing quarterbacks and clog running lanes. The Longhorns’ defense has been stingy against the run, which will be important against Ohio State’s strong rushing attack.
In the secondary, Texas boasts Jalen Catalon, a hard-hitting safety who excels at both coverage and run support. Catalon and the Longhorns’ secondary will need to play a critical role in limiting the effectiveness of McCord and Harrison. Texas’ defensive backfield will also have to contend with Ohio State’s fast-paced, explosive passing game, which will test their ability to stay in coverage for extended periods.
Coaching and Strategy
Steve Sarkisian has revitalized the Texas program by emphasizing a balanced offensive attack, with a focus on exploiting mismatches and spreading the field. Sarkisian’s experience in the NFL and as a college coordinator has allowed him to implement a system that takes advantage of Texas’ elite talent, particularly at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.
On the defensive side, Texas has brought in Pete Kwiatkowski as their defensive coordinator, and his approach has emphasized creating pressure on the quarterback and being aggressive in the secondary. Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes have been effective against high-powered offenses, but facing Ohio State’s offensive depth will be one of his biggest tests.
Keys to the Game: How Each Team Can Win
For Ohio State to Win
- Control the Line of Scrimmage – Ohio State’s offensive line will need to win the battle in the trenches against a strong Texas defensive front. McCord needs time to execute plays, and the Buckeyes will rely on Henderson and Williams to keep Texas’ defense off-balance with a steady ground game.
- Pressure Quinn Ewers – Ohio State’s defensive line needs to apply constant pressure on Ewers. When under duress, Ewers has shown that he can struggle with accuracy and decision-making. Creating chaos in the backfield will disrupt Texas’ offensive rhythm.
- Exploit Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State needs to target Harrison frequently, as he is one of the best wide receivers in the country. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a matchup nightmare, and McCord should look to take advantage of this weapon.
- Limit Texas’ Running Game – Stopping Texas’ dual-threat backfield will be essential for Ohio State’s defense. If the Buckeyes can force Ewers into obvious passing situations, their defensive line can tee off and apply more pressure.
For Texas to Win
- Establish the Run – Texas needs to establish a strong running game early, which will open up play-action opportunities for Ewers. The Longhorns’ offensive line has been solid, and if they can move Ohio State’s defensive front, they will be able to control the tempo of the game.
- Limit Ohio State’s Big Plays – Ohio State’s offense thrives on big plays, especially through the air. Texas’ secondary must stay disciplined and limit the deep ball. Catalon and the defensive backs need to be on their toes to avoid giving up huge chunks of yardage to Harrison and other playmakers.
- Win the Turnover Battle – Both teams have explosive offenses, and turnovers can swing the momentum of the game. Ewers needs to be careful with the ball, as Ohio State’s defense will look to create turnovers, especially through sacks and interceptions.
- Neutralize Ohio State’s Pass Rush – Ewers will need to get the ball out quickly and avoid taking sacks. Texas’ offensive line will need to protect him and give him time to find his playmakers downfield.
Prediction: Who Will Win the Cotton Bowl?
This is an incredibly difficult game to predict, as both Ohio State and Texas are talented teams with strengths in all phases of the game. However, after analyzing the matchup, we believe that Ohio State will come out on top in the Cotton Bowl.
While Texas has an explosive offense and a solid defense, Ohio State’s combination of elite offensive talent and defensive pressure is likely to be the difference. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by their dominant defensive line, will cause problems for Ewers and Texas’ offense, while Marvin Harrison Jr. will be too much for the Longhorns’ secondary to handle. If Ohio State can control the line of scrimmage and exploit Texas’ defense, they will advance to the CFP National Championship Game.
Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 34, Texas 24
Ohio State’s balance of explosive offense and strong defense should be enough to get the win in a game that will be closer than the final score suggests. Both teams have the talent to make it a thrilling contest, but Ohio State’s depth and elite playmaking will propel them to the victory.
