Key Takeaways:

• Ohio State and Texas meet in the CFP semifinal for a chance to advance to the national championship.
• Both teams are looking to end long title droughts, with Texas last winning a championship in 2005 and Ohio State in 2014.
• The matchup features top players including Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
• Ohio State enters the game as a 6-point favorite, aiming for their fifth consecutive CFP appearance.
• The rich history of the Cotton Bowl adds excitement to this pivotal clash of former champions.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The stage is set as No. 6 Ohio State (12-2) and No. 4 Texas (13-2) prepare to face off in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. EST (ESPN). With Ohio State favored by 6 points, both teams are looking to claim victory and end significant title droughts—Ohio State’s last national championship was in 2014, while Texas hasn’t hoisted a title since 2005. This year marks the inaugural season of the expanded 12-team playoff format, presenting a crucial opportunity for the winner to advance to the national championship game in Atlanta on January 20.

Ohio State, despite a strong postseason showing—including dominant wins over Tennessee and Oregon—remains hungry for a championship. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka expressed the urgency felt by the team, stating, “I have absolutely no hardware to show for it. That’s really on the forefront of our minds.” The Buckeyes boast a legacy in the playoffs, being the only team to qualify for four of the last six CFPs under head coach Ryan Day.

On the other side, Texas' performance this season has been marked by resilience, particularly after their appearance in the SEC championship game. The Longhorns are on a mission to secure their first title shot in nearly two decades, with quarterback Quinn Ewers leading a tenacious squad that includes All-America cornerback Jahdae Barron, praised for his defensive skills. Barron, who won the Thorpe Award for the nation’s top defensive back, will face Ohio State's electric freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith.

The stakes are immense for both teams, as the Cotton Bowl holds historical significance, especially for Texas, which makes its 23rd appearance—the most in Cotton Bowl history—after a two-decade hiatus from the event. Ohio State, on the other hand, seeks redemption after a loss in last year’s Cotton Bowl. This matchup not only rekindles a rivalry but also lays the groundwork for future clashes, with the teams scheduled to meet again in the 2025 season opener at Ohio State.

With both teams focused on the prize ahead, the game promises excitement not only for the players and fans but also for college football at large. The collision of tradition, history, and talent encapsulates what makes this playoff series so compelling. As these former champions vie to reclaim their glory, the Cotton Bowl will undoubtedly serve as a thrilling backdrop for a pivotal moment in college football.

For more insights into this highly anticipated match-up, visit the full articles on [AP News - Title Droughts](https://apnews.com/article/cfp-texas-ohio-state-cotton-bowl-cf5b7fdf1cef219dd2e1808699f2e7ca) and [AP News - Cotton Bowl Preview](https://apnews.com/article/cfp-texas-ohio-state-cotton-bowl-preview-068e1d5d293753abf24ebf9561741f53).