Popular opinion seems to be with Ohio State, both in tickets written (in Las Vegas, at least) and moneys wagered. Sometimes, however, we don't mind looking against the masses. Of course, if the Buckeyes jump ahead like they did vs. Tennessee (21-0 in 1st Q!) or Oregon (34-0 in 2nd Q!) as in the first two rounds of these playoffs, the Longhorns are going to be in trouble. Texas, however, is notorious for its own quick starts...the Longhorn problems in the second half of the season have had more to do with holding onto their leads. But only in the first Georgia meeting this season did Texas find itself in a serious early hole. By us, another quick KO by OSU appears a bit unlikely. The Longhorn defense would seem stout enough, and with enough athletes, to not get overrun by the Buckeyes offense or be unable to at least somewhat contain rampant frosh WR Jeremiah Smith. OSU and QB Will Howard did not always look so potent during the regular season (it wasn't long ago that this platoon was under scorn after the Michigan game). A bigger concern on the Texas side is a bit more consistency from the offense, though QB Quinn Ewers has made enough big plays this season to suggest the Horns turn this into a real fight in Arlington. Play Texas (Cotton Bowl)