Buckeyes Dominant Defense, Longhorns Rising to the Challenge in High-Pressure Situations
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns: College Football Playoff Semifinals
Two of college football’s most storied programs face off in the 2025 Cotton Bowl for a spot in the National Championship game. The Ohio State Buckeyes (8th seed) will meet the Texas Longhorns (5th seed) on Thursday night in a semifinal battle that promises to deliver thrilling action. After resounding wins over Tennessee and Oregon, the Buckeyes enter the game with confidence, while the Longhorns, fresh off a double-overtime victory over Arizona State, are determined to secure their first National Title berth in years.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Dominant Defense and Explosive Offense
Ohio State’s 2025 season has been a remarkable journey of redemption. After suffering a heartbreaking 13-10 loss to Michigan, which dashed their hopes for a Big Ten title, the Buckeyes have been unstoppable. Their most recent triumph came in a dominant 41-21 Rose Bowl win over the top-seeded Oregon Ducks, a revenge win after a 32-31 defeat earlier in the season.
Quarterback Will Howard has been the focal point of Ohio State’s offense, throwing for over 300 yards in both of the team’s playoff victories. In their win over Tennessee, Howard completed 83% of his passes, leading the Buckeyes to a 42-17 blowout. His 319-yard, three-touchdown performance against Oregon further solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Howard’s chemistry with wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka has been electric, with both players combining for 24 touchdowns this season. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkings have also been crucial, each nearing 1,000 rushing yards.
Ohio State’s defense has been equally impressive. Allowing under 20 points per game in their two playoff victories, they have been dominant against high-powered offenses, particularly Oregon. The Buckeyes’ defense is led by linebacker Cody Simon, who leads the team with 97 tackles and seven sacks. Ohio State ranks #1 in the nation for scoring defense and is also the best in the country against both the run and the pass.
Texas Longhorns: Thriving in High-Pressure Moments
The Texas Longhorns have had their share of close calls, but their resilience shines through. After barely escaping Arizona State in a thrilling double-overtime 39-31 win, the Longhorns are one step away from the National Championship. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has played through injuries this season, but he proved his mettle in the playoffs, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona State. Ewers’ playmaking ability will be vital as Texas looks to overcome a formidable Ohio State defense.
The Longhorns’ offense has been explosive, ranking 15th nationally in scoring. Quintrevion Wisner has emerged as a key contributor in the ground game, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards this season, while Jayden Blue has added another dynamic threat with 700 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Texas’ aerial attack is just as dangerous, with Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm combining for 114 catches and 14 touchdowns this season. Ewers will rely on these playmakers to create mismatches against Ohio State’s stout defense.
On the defensive side, the Longhorns are ranked 3rd in the nation for scoring defense. They’ve been tough against the pass, ranking 3rd nationally in pass defense, but have shown some vulnerability against the run. Texas’ defense is led by linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who has 107 tackles and 7.5 sacks. However, the Longhorns’ defense has allowed 55 points in the playoffs, with their struggles against the run being a point of concern. They will need to tighten up if they hope to compete with Ohio State’s well-rounded offense.
Conclusion
This semifinal clash between Ohio State and Texas is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown. Ohio State has the edge defensively and has shown the ability to dominate high-caliber offenses. However, Texas has a resilient offense and a defense that can make key stops in critical moments. Expect this game to be a battle of offense vs. defense, with the winner securing a spot in the National Championship.
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