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ESPN’s Holly Rowe identifies major X factor for Ohio State-Texas in Cotton Bowl
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ESPN’s Holly Rowe joined SportsCenter on Thursday to preview the upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal games. Friday’s quarterfinal matchup is between Ohio State and Texas and Rowe thinks the Buckeyes could have an edge in one area.
Rowe mentioned her discussion with Ryan Day, during which the coach acknowledged that his offense sought to limit the number of snaps in games. The Buckeyes are No. 117 in the country in plays per game, which allows the team to be “fresh” heading into the quarterfinals.
“They have fewer plays, less wear and tear on the body,” explained Rowe. “In their two College Football Playoff games, the offense of Ohio State has run 43 fewer plays than the Texas defense. That’s almost a whole game of wear and tear from a snap count that Texas’ defense has that Ohio State doesn’t have.”
Additionally, the Longhorns have played 15 games while the Buckeyes have played 14. The Buckeyes played 12 regular season games and 2 Playoff games while the Longhorns played 12 regular season games, the SEC Championship Game, and 2 Playoff games.
In the opening round of the Playoff, the Longhorns easily got through Clemson, winning 38-24. The semifinal matchup against Arizona State was much closer, with the Longhorns winning 39-31 in overtime.
The Buckeyes have had a much easier time in the Playoff. The team destroyed Tennessee in the opening round, winning 42-17. Then the Buckeyes dominated Oregon in a rematch, winning 41-21.
These historic powers will kick off from the Cotton Bowl on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
