Texas and Ohio State Prepare for Defensive Showdown in CFP Semifinal

The Cotton Bowl matchup features two elite defenses as Texas and Ohio State vie for a spot in the national championship game.

The Cotton Bowl semifinal will see No. 5 Texas face No. 8 Ohio State, with the winner advancing to the College Football Playoff national championship on January 20 in Atlanta.
Both teams are among the top-ranked defenses nationally, with Ohio State leading in total and scoring defense and Texas ranked third and fourth, respectively.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, seeks his first win against Texas after three losses in his previous matchups with the Longhorns.
Texas boasts a strong secondary led by Thorpe Award winner Jahae Barron, while Ohio State's defense is anchored by standout pass rushers J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.
Both fan bases are expected to travel well to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, though Texas hopes to leverage its proximity for a near home-field advantage.