Can Texas football run the ball against Ohio State? Will the Longhorns stay perfect vs. QB Will Howard? And will special teams improve?

Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik and Andrew Gillis discuss the difference-making factors in Ohio State football's Cotton Bowl matchup against Texas.

On the back end, Texas has allowed only eight passing scores this year and ranks No. 3 in pass defense success rate. All-American cornerback Jahdae Barron had a standout season with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups and is a key cog in the hopes of slowing down Ohio State receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian described his Longhorns as “massive underdogs” against an on-fire Ohio State team last week. On the eve of Texas’ Cotton Bowl showdown against those Buckeyes, Sarkisian hardly softened his stance.

Ohio State and Texas meet in a historic College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal game on Friday night from Jerry World. Here’s the latest prediction for t

Ohio State is in the Cotton Bowl for the second straight year and Texas is back in the semifinals and playing at AT&T for the second year in a row.

Jeremiah Smith boasts multi-touchdown scores in each playoff game leading up to Friday night's heavyweight showdown against Texas, and we expect the Buckeyes' top wideout to thrive inside the fast track of AT&T Stadium.

Here's a look at what Texas football must do to beat Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. The winner advances to the CFP championship game.

Ohio State takes on Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which serves as a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are favored.

Ohio State prepares for semi-final game against Texas

No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State When: 6:30 p.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Records: Texas (13-2), Ohio State (12-2) Last meeting: Texas 24, Ohio State 21 (2009 Fiesta Bowl) TV/radio: ESPN/Longhorn Radio Network (KRLD-1080 AM in Dallas-Fort Worth) Must-read preview content — Quarterback U?