ESPN FPI Predicts Winner of Ohio State-Texas College Football Playoff Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 8:28 PM ET

As fans turn their focus to the semifinal slate of the College Football Playoff, a matchup between two historic programs is set to hit the stage.

The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes meet in the Cotton Bowl Classic for one of the most intriguing matchups of the season.

Both teams have extremely explosive offenses with elite weapons on the perimeter, such as Jeremiah Smith for the Buckeyes and Matthew Golden for the Longhorns.

The game also features incredible talent on the defensive end, with stars like Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Jack Sawyer, as well as Texas' Colin Simmons and Andrew Mukuba.

Ohio State heads into the game as a 6-point favorite, ESPN BET.

Despite the betting odds, ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) system lists the Longhorns as the projected winner.

The computer-generated system, which calculates win probability, strength of schedule and team statistics, gives Texas a 50.7% chance to win the game and advance to the national title match.

While the Longhorns have a plethora of talent, including the players listed above, quarterback Quinn Ewers has been the program's heartbeat throughout the College Football Playoff.

In the team's latest 39-31 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils, Ewers posted three touchdowns and 322 yards on 20-of-30 pass completion.

So far this season, Ewers has recorded 29 touchdowns and 3,189 yards with a 66.5 completion percentage.

Ewers will look to lead Texas to victory over Ohio State, hoping to secure the program's first national championship since 2005.

Texas and Ohio State will face off in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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