Ahead of kickoff in the Cotton Bowl, get our expert predictions, best bets, and analysis ahead of kickoff between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns.

No. 8 Ohio State and No. 5 Texas are both seeking a chance to end national title droughts -- the Buckeyes’ last national title was 10 years ago and Texas' last national title was 19 years ago. The winner of Friday night’s Cotton Bowl advances to the national title game to play Notre Dame on January 20.

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.

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.

No. 8 Ohio State will play No. 5 Texas in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Here are bracket predictions for the matchup.

The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns will face off in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The matchup will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday,

The Buckeyes and Longhorns square off in the Cotton Bowl to see who will play in the national championship game