It is time for the huge fight in North Texas in the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals, as the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to go head-to-head against the Texas Longhorns inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Nicknamed "Jerry World," this venue in Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and will convert into a battle-scarred environment where two of the most tradition-laden college football programs face off for supremacy and a trip to the national championship game. This is the stuff of a dream matchup steeped in history and high stakes, with an electric atmosphere as fans from each state converge on this modern coliseum in anticipation of a winner emerging at the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State comes into the game boasting one of the nation's premier defenses, while Texas will counter with an energetic, potent line-up, ensuring this isn't a clash based solely on regional pride-the two programs want to continue another chapter in the college football annals.

How to Watch:

The game will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The game will air on ESPN and can be streamed on the ESPN App or FuboTV. Tickets for in-person attendees are currently on sale across a few different platforms, beginning around $200, but those prices may change as the event nears.

Coaches:

The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, will enter the Cotton Bowl with a game plan centered on capitalizing on the high-powered offense spearheaded by quarterback Will Howard and true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Day usually utilizes an energetic passing game with a mix of ground attacks, where the line can easily assert its will. It happened during games involving Tennessee and Oregon.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has compiled one of the top defenses in the land, able to contain the most high-powered offenses. Sarkisian's game plan will more than likely be to take away Howard and limit Ohio State's big plays while counting on former Buckeyes quarterback Quinn Ewers to exploit openings in Ohio State's secondary. The battle between Day's play-calling ingenuity and Sarkisian's defensive acumen could very well determine the outcome of the game, with each coach's strategy serving as the key to either moving on to the National Championship or ending one's season.

Key Players:

Ohio State:
QB Will Howard is on fire, having given many tremendous performances in the playoffs.
FR WR Jeremiah Smith has been the dominant force this season, with some fans already comparing him to being at the NFL level.
Texas:
QB Quinn Ewers had experience and brought leadership to the Longhorns offense following his commitment from Ohio State.
RB Quintrevion Wisner has been the key to the ground attack to bring some balance in attack.

Game Phases Analysis:

Offense: Ohio State's passing game with Howard and Smith has been uncontainable and might have an edge in this area, while Texas' offense is something that should not be underestimated since Ewers could take the driver's seat for his team in such a balanced attack situation.

Defense: Each team has one of the nation's best defenses. Ohio State is ranked the top scoring defense in college football, and Texas is ranked at number three. It could very well be a battle of attrition, and that might be slightly in Ohio State's favor because they would be able to disrupt Texas's rhythm.

Special Teams: Usually not taken into consideration, but both teams do have a decent kicker and returner, which can make this close; Ohio State might have an advantage in that it has not committed too many mistakes in its last games.

Odds:

The Buckeyes have come in as a 5.5-point favorite, while the game-a over/under-will be 53.5 points. Moneyline odds certainly reflect a high level of confidence in Ohio State, and it would appear that Texas will be the underdog, even with its home-state advantage.

Team Preparation:

Ohio State: A week removed from that inexplicable final regular-season game loss to Michigan, Ohio State has been appreciably better, both schematically and in execution, through the playoff, placing a new premium on a high-octane passing game while keeping its defense stifling.

Texas has outlived close calls throughout its playoff games against Clemson and Arizona State. Prep work has remained steady on making sure their defense firms up and their offense doesn't sputter with the pressure, particularly after that overtime win in the Peach Bowl.

Conclusion:

But this Cotton Bowl is about so much more than that, pitting two of college football's most powerful and tradition-laden brands against one another-a clash of historical and stylistic contrasts. Ohio State would appear to have the momentum and the necessary firepower, but Texas is tough enough, and this being its backyard, to make for a possible instant classic. Preparation, coaching, and execution on the day will make the difference between who takes a step closer to the national title. It will be a game that both sets of fans will look forward to for its strategic battles, standout performances, and perhaps even the defining moments of the 2024-25 college football season.