Texas Football will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. While the game could be postponed a day due to inclement weather in Texas, both teams will be prepared for the game.
You can expect one of the best offenses in the country go up against one of the best secondaries in the country. It's going to be a drama-filled game, with the winner advancing to the National Championship.
With two great teams competing in the Cotton Bowl, the stat sheets might have some insane numbers at the end of the game. Who knows if the Longhorns will have over 400 passing yards against the Buckeyes? The Longhorns' running back duo could run over Ohio State like they did to Clemson. Could the Longhorns' defense completely shut down the Buckeyes' passing attack? Here are four bold predictions for the Longhorns against the Buckeyes.
Bold predictions for Texas football vs. Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national semifinals: 4. Longhorns passing game excels beyond expectations
I don't know why I have this weird theory, but I do. My jaw would hit the floor if this happened in the Cotton Bowl. My first bold prediction is that the Longhorns' passing game will have over 400 yards receiving against the Buckeyes.
The Longhorns have passed the ball in the College Football Playoffs this season. While I don't think the Longhorns will have over 400 yards receiving by the end of the game, expect the wide receivers to be a factor against the Buckeyes.
3. Running back duo runs right over the Buckeyes defense
Quintevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue have been a running back tandem for the Longhorns, who have exceeded expectations this season. When CJ Baxter tore his ACL in fall practice, it was unknown if the running game would be a factor this season.
My second bold prediction is that the two running backs will combine for over 300 rushing yards. While it's unknown if that will happen in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State will have their hands full trying to stop these two great running backs.
2. Defense shuts down running attack
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson was a factor in the Buckeyes beating the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. However, he won't have the game he did against the Longhorns' defensive line.
For my third bold prediction, the Longhorns' defense will hold the Buckeyes to under 125 rushing yards. This prediction might come true because the Buckeyes love to pass the ball more than run it. However, I would love to see the Longhorns' defense turn the Buckeyes into a one-dimensional offense, whether passing or running the ball.
1. Limiting Emeka Egbuka through the air
The Longhorns' secondary will have their hands full to stop Buckeyes wide reciever Emeka Egbuka through the air. He was a massive threat to the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl and helped wrap up the game by halftime. My final bold prediction is that the Longhorns will limit Egbuka to under 100 yards when they receive that in the Cotton Bowl. Jeremiah Smith will be another threat, but taking Egbuka out of the game should help the Longhorns advance to the National Championship game.