Cotton Bowl 2024: Factors That Will Decide OSU vs. Texas Semifinal Bracket Game

The Ohio State Buckeyes have run rampant through the College Football Playoff through two rounds.

Ohio State's passing attack, led by star freshman wide out Jeremiah Smith, dominated the matchups with the Tennessee Volunteers and Oregon Ducks.

An argument can be made that Smith is the single most important player to a team's success in the CFB Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns might have to find a way to match Smith's receiving output in order to win the Cotton Bowl.

Texas boasts a strong ground attack and a defensive line that could slow down OSU's rushing attack, but if Smith shines again, the Buckeyes are probably headed to the CFB Playoff National Championship.

Jeremiah Smith saved his two best performances of the season for the first two playoff rounds.

Smith went off for 103 yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee and then produced 187 yards and two scores versus Oregon.

Smith only had three previous 100-yard games this season and two of them were for exactly 100 yards.

The freshman has been arguably the most impactful player in the entire playoff, and if he continues to tear apart opposing secondaries, the Buckeyes may have a clear path to the national title.

Ohio State is going up against a Texas passing defense that let up 632 yards in the first two rounds.

Texas has shown its vulnerabilities through the air, and if they aren't fixed, Smith could have yet another big day.

Texas might not have to match OSU yard-for-yard in the passing game, but it needs to be efficient enough to counter any punches thrown by the Buckeyes.

The Longhorns relied more on their passing attack in the Peach Bowl win over the Arizona State Sun Devils, as Quinn Ewers threw for 322 yards and three scores.

Texas utilized its rushing attack more in the first-round win over the Clemson Tigers by gaining 292 yards.

Ohio State's front seven could slow down Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue, which in turn, would put more pressure on Ewers.

Ewers needs to utilize tight end Gunnar Helm and wide receiver Matthew Golden, who have been his top two targets in the playoff, to get the ball moving down field.

Texas could have another difference-maker emerge in Isaiah Bond, who returned from injury for the Peach Bowl.

The Alabama transfer did not have much of an impact on the win over ASU, but if he is healthier for the Cotton Bowl, he could be the third target Ewers needs to properly match what OSU does through the air.