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Booger McFarland Is Predicting A Big College Football Playoff Upset

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 6:58 PM ET

Through two rounds, the College Football Playoff has mostly unfolded as expected. Booger McFarland made the case for an underdog advancing past the semifinals.

Ohio State is a six-point favorite to defeat Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes enter Friday's semifinal matchup with considerable momentum after dominating the previously undefeated Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, the heavily favored Longhorns persevered in a double-overtime thriller over Arizona State.

On Thursday's Pardon The Interruption, McFarland argued that a Texas team "furious" about its underdog status will "play at a fever pitch" at AT&T Stadium.

"I know Ohio State is playing at a high level the last two weeks. But let's not forget, we saw Ohio State go up and down throughout the regular season. I think this is going to be the biggest upset so far. I think the Longhorns knock off the Buckeyes," McFarland said, according to On3's Griffin McVeigh.

"And people are going to say it's an upset, but let me tell you right here. This team is as talented as the Buckeyes, and Steve Sarkisian is one of the better coaches in the country."

Speaking to Greg McElroy on ESPN's Always College Football podcast, McFarland said the Longhorns can "no doubt" win if they're clicking in every facet. However, the former LSU defensive lineman isn't confident Penn State or Notre Dame could defeat Ohio State in the National Championship Game.

McFarland urged Texas to play an aggressive game and not let up if jumping to an early lead.

"We give Ohio State a lot of credit by saying, 'Man, If they play their best, nobody can beat them.' I think the team that can possibly give them a run, if they play their best, is Texas," McFarland said.

Ohio State is riding high after blowing out Tennessee and Oregon, but Ryan Day's squad previously fell to a five-loss Michigan team as double-digit home favorites. The Longhorns pulverized the Wolverines at "The Big House" in September.

Despite their underdog status, ESPN's Matchup Predictor gives the Longhorns a 50.5 percent win probability. The Cotton Bowl kicks off Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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