Ohio State Dominates Texas In Cotton Bowl To Advance To National Championship Game

No. 4 Ohio State punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game with a resounding 42-20 victory over No. 15 Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Saturday night.

The Buckeyes offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing 544 yards of total offense, including 263 yards rushing. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns, while running back TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

The Buckeyes' defense was equally impressive, holding the Longhorns to just 243 yards of total offense. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also intercepted twice.

The victory marks Ohio State's 12th straight win and improves their record to 11-1 on the season. They will face No. 1 Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 9th.

Ohio State's Impressive Performance

Ohio State's offense was clicking on all cylinders against Texas. Stroud was efficient and precise with his passing, completing 22 of 33 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Henderson was a force on the ground, averaging 8.5 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns.

The Buckeyes' receiving corps also had a big night, led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Harrison Jr. caught seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Egbuka caught six passes for 107 yards.

On defense, Ohio State was equally impressive. They held Texas to just 243 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers. The Buckeyes' pass rush was particularly effective, sacking Ewers three times.

Texas' Disappointing Performance

Texas came into the Cotton Bowl with high hopes, but they were ultimately outmatched by Ohio State. The Longhorns offense struggled to move the ball against the Buckeyes' defense, and they turned the ball over three times.

Ewers had a particularly rough night, throwing two interceptions and fumbling the ball twice. The Longhorns' running game was also ineffective, as they managed just 52 yards on the ground.

On defense, Texas was unable to generate any pressure on Stroud and the Buckeyes' offense. They allowed Ohio State to convert 53% of their third downs and score points on six of their eight possessions.

Implications For The College Football Playoff

Ohio State's victory over Texas has major implications for the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are now one of the favorites to win the national championship, and they will be a tough matchup for any team they face.

Texas, on the other hand, will need to regroup and improve if they want to compete for a Big 12 championship next season. The Longhorns have a lot of talent, but they need to be more consistent and disciplined if they want to reach their full potential.

Conclusion

Ohio State's dominant victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic was a statement to the rest of the college football world. The Buckeyes are a legitimate title contender, and they will be a tough matchup for any team they face.

Texas, on the other hand, has some work to do if they want to contend for a Big 12 championship next season. The Longhorns have a lot of talent, but they need to be more consistent and disciplined if they want to reach their full potential.