Ohio State vs. Texas Cotton Bowl betting odds swing wildly as sharps hit early line

The Ohio State Buckeyes received a huge boost in the eyes of sharp bettors after their beatdown of the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Prospective odds for the Cotton Bowl against Texas quickly changed from the 1.5 points going toward the Buckeyes to as many as 6.5 points.

"Ohio State looked so good today, and Texas looked questionable," SuperBook risk manager Casey Degnon said, before addressing early action on the Cotton Bowl. "We went right to 6. Then there were a couple bets on Ohio State spread and moneyline, and a couple small bets on the Over as well.

I think the spread will have decent two-way action. But once you add in moneyline parlays and teasers, I think we'll be rooting for Texas," he said.

The first College Football Playoff semifinal is set, with (8) Ohio State facing (5) Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Jan. 10, for a chance to compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This matchup marks only the fourth time these two historic programs will meet, and it's the first encounter since 2009.

Texas kept its playoff hopes alive with a dramatic 39-31 double overtime victory over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The Longhorns built a lead of 24-8 in the fourth quarter, but a strong rally by the Sun Devils, led by standout running back Cam Skattebo, pushed the game into overtime. In the initial overtime period, Texas pulled off a game-saving touchdown on a crucial fourth-and-13 play.

In the second overtime, Texas started with a touchdown and then forced a turnover on Arizona State's subsequent drive, ensuring their victory.

Meanwhile, Ohio State dominated its Rose Bowl matchup against Oregon, avenging a narrow 32-31 regular-season defeat with a commanding 41-21 win. The Buckeyes led throughout the game, establishing a 34-0 advantage early before playing conservatively in the latter stages.

Ohio State boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football and has showcased its strength during the playoffs. The Buckeyes have won their first two postseason games by a combined score of 83-38, both times jumping out to leads of 21 points or more in the first half and never looking back, making a strong statement after a disappointing finish to the regular season.

A key factor in Ohio State's success has been an offensive revival, particularly through the increased involvement of star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith.

 In the quarterfinal against Oregon, he was a standout performer, recording five receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns in just the first half—bringing his season total to a Big Ten-record 14 touchdowns for a freshman. Overall, Smith has made 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns during Ohio State’s CFP run.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson has also stepped up his game, rushing for 174 yards and four touchdowns against two of the nation's top defenses, Tennessee and Oregon. He is averaging 9.8 yards per carry, with four runs of at least 20 yards, three of which resulted in touchdowns.

Ohio State's defense has been equally impressive. While Oregon allowed 13 sacks across their first 13 games, the Buckeyes managed to sack Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times. Defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, who recorded two sacks and three pass breakups against Oregon, has been playing some of his best football, leading a fierce defensive front.