The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is within reach, and the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10th. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the big game.
Ohio State has dominated its opponents thus far in the playoff, with a combined score of 83-38 in the first two rounds. The Buckeyes have outperformed Tennessee by 25 points at home and Oregon by 20 points in the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Will Howard has been playing the best football of his career, throwing for over 300 yards just once this season.
Texas, on the other hand, had a more dramatic Peach Bowl matchup against Arizona State, which it won 39-31 in overtime. The Longhorns have had an uneven season, but quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown promise, particularly in big games like the Peach Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl will also feature Texas’ first chance to play against his former team, Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes are expected to have a strong advantage at home-field, with most fans wearing red. The game is set to be played indoors, but a major winter storm could impact the weather.
Key players to watch include Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, who has outperformed Quinshon Judkins this season, and Texas tight end Gunnar Helm, who leads the Longhorns in catches and touchdowns. The real key to the game lies in Texas’ pass defense, which has allowed opposing QBs to throw for just 166 yards per game.
If Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard can continue his impressive performance, it will be a tough ask for Texas to keep up. With the Buckeyes’ fast-paced passing game and strong offense, it’s hard to see Texas winning on Friday night unless Ewers has another standout game.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football-playoff-players-to-watch-key-to-the-cotton-bowl-ohio-state-vs-texas-160422744.html