Cotton Bowl Thriller: Texas and Ohio State Battle for Championship Spot

Cotton Bowl Showdown: Texas vs. Ohio State Live Updates

The Cotton Bowl semifinal between Texas and Ohio State is a high-stakes clash, with the winner advancing to face Notre Dame in the national championship game. Let’s dive into key highlights and updates as the action unfolds.

Key Pre-Game Storylines

1. Dominance of Ohio State:
   • Ohio State, led by Coach Ryan Day, has been the most dominant team in the playoffs. They opened with a 42-17 win against No. 9 Tennessee and followed it up with a 41-21 dismantling of top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
2. Texas’ Resilience:
   • Texas, with former Ohio State QB Quinn Ewers at the helm, had a tougher path. After defeating No. 12 Clemson, they edged past No. 4 Arizona State in an overtime thriller at the Peach Bowl. Ewers’ performance (322 yards, 3 TDs) was instrumental in securing the win.

Live Game Highlights

Third Quarter Action

• Tie Game: Texas’ Jaydon Blue scored on a 26-yard touchdown pass, capitalizing on Ohio State’s blitz to even the score at 14-14 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.
• Defensive Standoff: Ohio State’s star defensive end, J.T. Tuimoloau, returned to the game after an ankle injury, boosting their defense as the Buckeyes held Texas to a punt earlier in the quarter.

Second Quarter Recap

• Big Plays Before Halftime:
  • Ohio State struck quickly with a 75-yard touchdown from Will Howard to TreVeyon Henderson, reclaiming the lead at 14-7 with just 13 seconds left.
  • Texas responded with an 18-yard touchdown from Ewers to Blue, tying the game earlier at 7-7. A fourth-down conversion by Arch Manning set up the score.
• Halftime Stats:
  • Total Yards: Ohio State 236, Texas 177
  • Key Players:
    • Ohio State QB Will Howard: 14/19, 200 yards, 1 TD
    • Texas QB Quinn Ewers: 10/20, 133 yards, 1 TD

First Quarter Recap

• Ohio State Strikes First: Quinshon Judkins ran in for a 9-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State a 7-0 lead.
• Defensive Showdown: Texas struggled to move the ball, punting multiple times. They managed just six rushing yards in the first quarter.

Additional Storylines

Players to Watch

• Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State):
  • After a quiet first half (1 catch, 3 yards), Smith’s impact could be pivotal. He has been a key playmaker in previous games, tallying over 100 yards and multiple touchdowns in the playoffs.
• Quinn Ewers (Texas):
  • Expected to enter the NFL Draft after this season, Ewers has been instrumental in Texas’ journey to the semifinals. His leadership will be critical in the second half.

Defensive Battle

• Elite Defenses:
  • Ohio State ranks first in total defense, scoring defense, and passing yards allowed. Texas is not far behind, ranking third in total defense and fourth in scoring defense.

Game Insights and Trends

• Ohio State’s Unique Approach:
  • Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has slowed the pace, opting for huddles to preserve the team’s health and focus. This strategy has helped Ohio State thrive despite facing high-powered offenses.
• Texas’ Ground Game Struggles:
  • With just six rushing yards in the first quarter, the Longhorns need to establish their running attack to keep pace.

What’s Next?

• Second Half Outlook: Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance but must address consistency. Ohio State’s dynamic offense and Texas’ resilience will shape the final outcome.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling game continues to unfold at the Cotton Bowl!

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