Ohio State vs Texas Cotton Bowl Prediction | CFP Semifinals Best Bets

Preview the Ohio State vs Texas College Football Playoff third-round matchup with expert predictions, betting tips, odds analysis, and key insights.

Where to Watch Ohio State vs Texas

• Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) 
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: ESPN
• Spread: Buckeyes -5.5 | Moneyline: Buckeyes -225 | Total: 53.5

Ohio State vs Texas Best Bet ATS: Buckeyes -5.5 (-114)

Maybe it’s recency bias, but it’s hard to look away from what the Ohio State Buckeyes have accomplished in the CFP. The Buckeyes have outscored Oregon and Tennessee 83-38. This isn’t a stretch where the Buckeyes faced Rutgers and Michigan State. We’re talking about the top-ranked team in the country and an excellent Volunteers squad. That doesn’t bode well for a Longhorns squad that failed two tests against Georgia this year and nearly let a big lead slip away in the second half against Arizona State. The Longhorns have plenty of NFL talent on their roster, but the Buckeyes have more, especially at key positions. We won’t forget how Ohio State performed against Michigan, but this is a different team right now. The Buckeyes are too explosive for the Longhorns to keep this one within the number. The Buckeyes will cover. 

Ohio State vs. Texas Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates

Ohio State vs Texas Best Bet Total: OVER 53.5 (-105)

This is an interesting number, but it shouldn’t surprise many when you factor in how explosive the Buckeyes offense has been in their first two CFP games. That doesn’t even factor in that Texas has scored at a high clip in their two matchups. The offensive talent is there for it to be a shootout. The defensive talent is also there for a more defensive-minded game. So, what gives? It will ultimately be difficult for the Longhorns’ defense to keep this Buckeyes offense at bay. Yes, they limited Georgia’s offense in both meetings, but the Bulldogs shouldn’t be considered the standard on offense right now. As good as the Longhorns’ defense has been at stopping the run, they were exposed against Georgia and Arizona State, two teams that pride themselves in that. Knowing that Ohio State can pass and run the ball at a high standard, it’s really a pick your poison for the Longhorns’ defense. I think Ohio State scores a lot of points, and Texas also finds offensive success. I like the over. 

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