Ohio State Football: Road to the Cotton Bowl and Beyond
Ohio State football is gearing up for its sixth appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP) as the No. 8 seed in the inaugural 12-team field. The Buckeyes are set to take on the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, January 10, with the winner advancing to the National Championship game on January 20 in Atlanta. Ohio State is looking to continue its successful run in the CFP and win its first National Championship since 2014.
Ohio State’s College Football Playoff History
Ohio State has long been one of college football’s elite programs, with a storied history that includes eight national championships and numerous playoff appearances. The Buckeyes first won the national title in 1942, led by legendary coach Paul Brown, and have since added championships under coaches Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer. Ohio State won its most recent title in 2014, overcoming significant challenges to claim the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff history has been a mixture of triumph and heartbreak. Their first-ever playoff appearance in 2014 saw them take down No. 1 Alabama in a thrilling semifinal before dominating No. 2 Oregon in the championship game. Urban Meyer’s squad, led by Ezekiel Elliott’s 246-yard performance, triumphed 42-20 to secure Ohio State’s eighth national title.
Ohio State’s subsequent playoff appearances have been less successful, with the Buckeyes falling short in the semifinals in 2016, 2019, and 2022, and losing to Alabama in the 2020 title game. Despite these setbacks, Ohio State remains one of the most consistent programs in the playoff era, with its eyes firmly set on another national title.
Ohio State’s 2024 Season: A Roller Coaster Ride
The 2024 season has been a roller coaster for the Buckeyes, with high expectations tempered by a few disappointing losses. Ohio State began the season with five consecutive wins, including dominant performances in Big Ten matchups against Michigan State and Iowa. However, the Buckeyes suffered a shocking 32-31 loss to Oregon, marking the start of a tough stretch in which Ohio State struggled offensively and faced challenges in critical moments.
The Buckeyes rebounded with a hard-fought win over Penn State in a 20-13 defensive battle, but another significant hurdle came when they were defeated by their archrival Michigan in a 13-10 defensive slugfest in Columbus. This marked the fourth consecutive loss to the Wolverines, raising questions about Ohio State’s ability to contend for a national championship. Despite these setbacks, Ohio State entered the postseason as one of the top teams in the country, earning the No. 8 seed in the CFP.
Ohio State responded to its regular-season struggles by delivering two dominant performances in the CFP. The Buckeyes outgained Tennessee and Oregon by a total of 441 yards across their first two playoff games. This resurgence has put Ohio State back on track and ready to challenge for the national championship once again.
Key Players and Contributors
Ohio State has a talented roster with a mix of returning stars and new additions. One of the most significant off-season moves for the Buckeyes was the addition of quarterback Will Howard via the transfer portal. Howard, a former starter at Kansas State, has brought valuable experience to Ohio State’s offense. His leadership and playmaking ability have been crucial to the Buckeyes’ success in the postseason, and his continued development will be key in Ohio State’s playoff run.
In addition to Howard, Ohio State’s offensive arsenal includes a dynamic group of playmakers. Star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a projected top NFL draft pick, has been a major weapon for the Buckeyes. His ability to stretch the field and make spectacular catches has kept Ohio State’s offense dangerous throughout the season.
Defensively, Ohio State has been equally formidable. The Buckeyes’ defense is anchored by standout defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, who has been a force off the edge all season. Tuimoloau’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and pressure the quarterback will be essential in Ohio State’s matchup against Texas, as the Longhorns have a potent offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Ohio State’s secondary, led by cornerback Denzel Burke and safety Lathan Ransom, has also been a strength. The Buckeyes have been tough to break through in the passing game, and they will need another strong performance from their secondary to keep Texas’ offensive weapons in check.
The Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas
The Buckeyes are set to face the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, with a berth in the National Championship on the line. Texas has had an impressive season, capped by a dramatic double-overtime victory over Arizona State in the quarterfinals. The Longhorns boast a high-powered offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has had a breakout year under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Texas’ offense will be a major test for Ohio State’s defense. Ewers has been impressive in the postseason, and the Longhorns’ running back Bijan Robinson is one of the best in the country. Robinson’s ability to control the ground game will be key for Texas, as it will allow Ewers to operate with more flexibility in the passing game.
On the defensive side, Texas has been solid, but it will face a tough challenge against Ohio State’s explosive offense. The Buckeyes’ balanced attack, which includes Howard at quarterback, Harrison Jr. at receiver, and a talented running back corps, will be difficult for Texas to contain.
The winner of this game will advance to the National Championship game, where they will face the winner of the Orange Bowl semifinal between Penn State and Notre Dame. The stakes could not be higher, and Ohio State is poised to make a statement in its quest for a ninth national title.
Ohio State’s Road to the National Championship
For Ohio State, this is a crucial opportunity to reclaim its place as one of college football’s elite programs. The Buckeyes have not appeared in the National Championship game since 2020, and they are determined to bring another title back to Columbus. With a blend of seasoned veterans, talented newcomers, and a deep roster, Ohio State has the tools to make a run at the championship.
The Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff pedigree speaks for itself, and while their regular-season struggles have raised questions, their dominant performances in the postseason have silenced many critics. Ohio State’s journey through the 2024 CFP has shown the resilience of the program, and now the team is poised to make a deep run.
With a strong mix of offense and defense, Ohio State is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the playoff. Whether it’s Howard leading the offense or Tuimoloau wreaking havoc on defense, the Buckeyes have the pieces necessary to capture their first National Championship since 2014.
As Ohio State prepares for its showdown with Texas in the Cotton Bowl, the road to the National Championship is clear, and the Buckeyes are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
