Ohio State-Texas: CFP Semifinal Time, TV, Preview, Spread, Odds

The second College Football Playoff semifinal of the 2022 season is set as No. 2 Ohio State takes on No. 3 Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. The game will be played on Saturday, December 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

TV, time, spread and odds

Preview

Ohio State (11-1) enters the Fiesta Bowl as the Big Ten champions. The Buckeyes have won their last seven games, including a 45-23 victory over Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State has a high-powered offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes also have a strong defense led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end Zach Harrison.

Texas (12-1) enters the Fiesta Bowl as the Big 12 champions. The Longhorns have won their last six games, including a 34-27 victory over Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game. Texas has a balanced offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The Longhorns also have a strong defense led by linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and defensive end Ovie Oghoufo.

Spread and odds

Ohio State is favored by 8.5 points in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes are also favored by 350 points on the moneyline, meaning you would need to bet $350 to win $100 on Ohio State. Texas is the underdog by 280 points on the moneyline, meaning you would win $280 for every $100 you bet on the Longhorns.

The over/under for the Fiesta Bowl is 63.5 points. If the total score of the game is over 63.5, the “over” bettors will win. If the total score of the game is under 63.5, the “under” bettors will win.

Preview

The Fiesta Bowl is a rematch of the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, which Ohio State won 24-21. The Buckeyes have a 2-0 record against Texas all-time.

Ohio State is the more experienced team in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes have played in the College Football Playoff six times, including four times in the past five years. Texas is making its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State has the more talented team on paper. The Buckeyes have more five-star recruits and more players who are projected to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

However, Texas has a lot of momentum heading into the Fiesta Bowl. The Longhorns have won their last six games and they have a lot of confidence. Texas also has a lot of talented players, including Ewers, Robinson and Worthy.

The Fiesta Bowl is a toss-up game. Ohio State is the more experienced team, but Texas has a lot of momentum. The Buckeyes are the more talented team, but the Longhorns have a lot of confidence. It should be a great game.

Prediction

Ohio State 35, Texas 31

I think Ohio State will win a close game. The Buckeyes have more experience and more talent, but Texas is a tough team. The Longhorns have a lot of confidence and they will be playing with nothing to lose. I think it will be a great game, but I think Ohio State will ultimately win.

Conclusion

The Fiesta Bowl is a huge game for both Ohio State and Texas. The winner of the game will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. I think Ohio State will win the game, but it will be a close one.