The winner of Friday night’s Ohio State vs. Texas College Football Playoffs semi-finals matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET will punch its ticket to the national championship game against Notre Dame. With the Buckeyes laying 6 points and the total sitting at 52.5, what’s the best bet on the board tonight in Texas?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-1) at Penn State Nittany Lions (+1); o/u 45.5
7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, January 10, 2025
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TV: ESPN
Ohio State vs. Texas CFP Public Betting: Bettors Backing Buckeyes
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 64% of bets are on Ohio State. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
OSU QB Howard excellent in revenge spot
Will Howard was 17-for-26 passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns during Wednesday’s 41-21 victory versus Oregon. He also had five rushes for negative three yards. Howard — who was widely criticized for a mistake at the end of the Week 7 loss at Oregon — came out on fire in the Rose Bowl. He tossed three 40 plus yard touchdowns within the first 20 minutes of the game as he led the Buckeyes to a commanding 34-0 lead in the second quarter. He and Jeremiah Smith have been dominant through two playoff games, combining for 13 completions for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Howard will look to keep that form going into the Semifinal versus Texas at the Cotton Bowl.
Texas RB Wisner held in check by ASU
Quintrevion Wisner (knee) finished with 18 carries for 45 yards during Wednesday’s 39-31 win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Wisner led the backfield with 18 touches on the ground but wasn’t able to turn it into much. It was the first time he’s had fewer than 50 rush yards since Week 11, though he did get more involved in the receiving game with four catches for 40 yards. He’ll need to be more effective in the CFP Semifinal matchup against the Buckeyes, who have looked like the most dominant team in the playoffs so far.
Ohio State vs. Texas CFP Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas’s last 11 games
Ohio State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Ohio State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Texas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Ohio State vs. Texas CFP Prediction
Last night I took Penn State in the first half because I loved the way the Nittany Lions had started games of late. It worked out well, as PSU jumped out to a 10-0 lead with only a few minutes remaining before halftime. Notre Dame added a late field goal in the second quarter, but the Nittany Lions covered the first half spread.
I’m going back to the well tonight, only this time with Ohio State. I like the Buckeyes only laying 3 points in the first half against the Longhorns. Ultimately, I do see Ohio State pulling away and potentially covering the full game spread, but I don’t want the backdoor left open. Chip Kelly has this OSU offense firing on all cylinders after the disastrous loss to Michigan. Texas is also coming off a game against Arizona State that went to overtime, meaning the Longhorns’ defense had to play some extra snaps.
Ultimately, I see the Buckeyes jumping out to a lead and whether or not the ‘Horns come back, I believe we will have long cashed our first half ticket.
Ohio State vs. Texas CFP Prediction: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES -3 (1H)