Texas vs. Ohio State Best Bets For The College Football Playoff Semifinal

Check out some of the best bets for No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal game Friday evening.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET with ESPN on the broadcast, and Ohio State is favored by 5.5 points in a game with an over/under line of 53.5 points.  

We’ve got a pair of best bets and two player props to consider for this matchup. Online sportsbooks are offering promotions and welcome bonuses to new customers during a busy season for NCAA football, and many books will offer boosted bets on the game. 

Texas vs. Ohio State Best Bets 

Texas vs. Ohio State: Under 53.5 Points +100 on Fliff

• The Buckeyes erupted in consecutive playoff games, but those matchups came against a fast-paced Oregon team that can score in bunches and an overmatched Tennessee squad. Texas has the defensive personnel to stand up against Ohio State’s elite skill players and potentially pressure Will Howard into a few mistakes. On the other side of the ball, Texas could employ a run-heavy approach to try to shorten this game and pull off the upset. Texas dominated the same Michigan team that was able to succeed in that approach by rushing for 172 yards in a 13-10 win at Ohio State in November. Texas held opponents to a 61.5% touchdown rate on red zone possessions, the best mark in the nation, and went 7-1-1 to the under in the ultra-competitive SEC. 

Texas vs. Ohio State: Ohio State -0.5 3Q Spread Ohio State Buckeyes -105 on Bet365

• The Buckeyes are getting plus money at multiple books to win the third quarter. They’ve outscored opponents 62-7 in the third quarter over their last six games, including a 14-0 performance to put Oregon away in the Rose Bowl. Texas has managed just three points in the third quarter in two College Football Playoff games and was shut out by Texas A&M and Georgia in the third quarter in its final two conference games. Whatever the Longhorns can do to limit Ohio State’s red-hot offense in the first half, potentially covering a +3.5 halftime spread, the Buckeyes should be able to figure some things out after the break. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has a lot of weapons at his disposal, and we could end up seeing him find the few weaknesses in the Longhorns’ defense after seeing some game action. 

Texas vs. Ohio State Player Props  

TreVeyon Henderson Over 50.5 Rushing Yards Over -125

• Quinshon Judkins flashed his burst with 84 yards on 17 carries against Oregon, but Henderson remains the lead back for Ohio State, and he could be leaned upon more in a physical matchup with less speed on both sides of the ball. While he’s stronger than Judkins, Henderson is still an explosive playmaker averaging 7.46 yards per touch on the season with 174 rushing yards through two playoff games so far. Texas allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game (166.1) this season and has the cornerbacks to contain Ohio State’s elite receivers for stretches. That would force the Buckeyes to ride both backs in a potential slugfest down in Arlington. 

Matthew Golden Over 64.5 Receiving Yards Over -130

• The Texas offensive line has strong continuity and is relatively healthy heading into the biggest game of its season. A solid showing against Ohio State’s pass rush would allow Quinn Ewers to find his top target, who is coming off a 149-yard outburst against Arizona State. Golden went for 162 yards against Georgia’s elite secondary in the SEC championship, so he’s worth backing in a matchup against Ohio State’s great defensive backs. The big-bodied junior is peaking at the right time and needs 64 yards to reach 1,000 for the season.