There will inevitably be some pundits who say this game is the real national championship, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Compared to the other semifinal game between Penn State and Notre Dame, this one is clearly the marquee matchup. That doesn’t mean the winner will win the natty, but it promises to be entertaining.
CFB Playoff Semifinals Preview – Ohio State vs. Texas
Ohio State Buckeyes
Two things could have happened after the Buckeyes lost their regular season finale against hated rival Michigan. They could have gone in the tank and felt sorry for themselves or gotten angry and taken it out on their playoff opponents. They have chosen the latter, at least so far.
After hearing many in the Tennessee fan base referred Ohio Stadium as Neyland North before the game, the Buckeyes came out very aggressively and jumped ahead of the Vols 21-0 after a quarter. Henderson and Judkins both got into the end zone twice and quarterback Will Howard played one of his best games of the season, throwing for over 300 yards and completing over 80% of his passes.
Freshmen sensation receiver Jeremiah Smith was also outstanding, going for over 100 yards receiving and catching two touchdowns.
The defense also came up big, never letting Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava get comfortable in the pocket. While Iamaleava didn’t turn the ball over, he completed less than 50% of his passing attempts and only threw for 104 yards despite being behind the whole game. He did rush for both Vols touchdowns, but he averaged less than three yards per carry on twenty carries.
The defense did sack him four times and the Buckeyes doubled up the Vols in yards per play 7.4 to 3.7.
After quickly dispatching Tennessee, Ohio State faced No. 1 ranked and undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day in a rematch of an earlier season matchup in Eugene.
Once again, Ohio State came out on fire and the score was 34-0 right before halftime when the Ducks finally managed to score.
The culprits were essentially the same. Howard again threw for over 300 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Henderson found the end zone twice again and while Judkins didn’t, he still picked up 85 yards on the ground.
Jeremiah Smith was even better in this quarterfinal game, picking up 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The Buckeyes defense harassed Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel early and often.
Gabriel’s final stats looked pretty good, but Oregon was never in the game and he was sacked eight times in another dominant performance by the Buckeyes.
Texas Longhorns
Early in the season, Texas was ranked number one in the country and many so-called experts called them the best team in the country. A convincing home loss to Georgia and a close overtime loss to Georgia again in the SEC changed many of those perceptions.
Unlike Ohio State, the Longhorns have looked anything but a team on a mission in their first two playoff games.
In the first game against Clemson, they were ahead 31-10 late in the third quarter. Then they let the Tigers get back into it with two straight touchdowns and suddenly, the score was 31-24. A long touchdown run by Jayden Blue sealed it and Texas came away with a 38-24 win. The Longhorns’ defense was less than dominant, as it had been at times during the regular season.
Once again, Texas jumped out to a big lead in the quarterfinal game against Arizona State, leading 24-8.
The Sun Devils’ running back, Cameron Skateboo, started running wild. Skateboo single-handedly got them back in the game. Arizona State might have won the game if a targeting call had been made late in the game.
After getting the ball back after the targeting call was not made, Texas kicker Burt Auburn missed two late field goals. If he makes either one, Texas wins in regulation.
Texas then needed a fourth down conversion in overtime to extend the game before winning 39-31.
The Matchup
Ryan Day’s job is safe, no matter what anyone says. He doesn’t have to win it all this year, although his team is the betting favorite right now.
Concerns about the Buckeyes’ toughness and ability to match top teams in the trenches have been alleviated for now.
Texas’s biggest issues are that they haven’t displayed a killer instinct or the ability to play a clean game for four quarters, both of which are necessary for winning a championship.
We predict that Ohio State will continue to play aggressive football and that Texas will not play a complete game. Don’t expect another Buckeye blowout, but expect a win and a spot in the national championship game.
Prediction
Ohio State: 30
Texas: 20
Will Ryan Day finally add a title to his resume to go along with a gaudy overall coaching record? He should get his chance against either Penn State or Notre Dame. That one should be a fashioned slobber knocker.
Main Image: © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
