Urban Meyer predicts winner of Ohio State-Texas playoff game without hesitation

After a dominant win in the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California, the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to carry their momentum into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. 

They will face off against the No. 5 Texas Longhorns in the prestigious Cotton Bowl, which will be played in Arlington, Texas, giving the Longhorns a home-field advantage that could play a significant role in the outcome.

Despite the challenges ahead, Ohio State has been red-hot, winning their last two playoff games by 20 or more points and scoring over 40 in each contest. The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 35-0 in the first quarter, and much of their success has been centered around true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has tallied four touchdowns and 290 receiving yards over those two games.

The Longhorns have been equally dominant for much of the season, though they were pushed to the brink by Arizona State. If the Longhorns allow Ohio State to get off to a fast start and struggle to keep up on the scoreboard, it could be game over — just as it was for Tennessee and Oregon.

Ahead of the matchup, former college football head coach Urban Meyer shared his thoughts. While he's been a strong advocate for Texas all season, Meyer picked Ohio State without hesitation.

“Yeah, if Team-A shows up, this will be a wrap. Ohio State will lift the gold trophy," Meyer said. "If the best roster in the country plays like the best roster in the country, they’ll be national champs in a few weeks, and we’re witnessing it. Every skill player on Ohio State, I think, will be playing substantially in the National Football League. That’s how good they are."