Ohio State’s Favoritism in Cotton Bowl Sparks Betting Frenzy
As the anticipation builds for the Capital One Cotton Bowl, the betting world is abuzz with activity, and all eyes are on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes, who have been a powerhouse throughout the season, began Friday as a consensus 6-point favorite over the Texas Longhorns. This spread is notably larger than what many had anticipated, and it’s causing quite a stir among bettors and fans alike.
Initially, sportsbooks had Ohio State pegged as only a 1.5-point favorite over Texas in the early lines posted last week. This was before the semifinal matchup was set, and the dynamics have shifted significantly since then. The Longhorns managed to edge past Arizona State in a nail-biting overtime victory, while the Buckeyes delivered a commanding performance against the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals. These outcomes prompted oddsmakers to adjust the line for the Cotton Bowl, which is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
John Murray, a seasoned Las Vegas bookmaker with the Westgate SuperBook, shared his insights with ESPN, stating, “Texas just doesn’t impress us, and Ohio State looks like a runaway freight train now.” This sentiment seems to be echoed by many in the betting community.
Caesars Sportsbook opened Ohio State as 5.5-point favorites over Texas once the semifinal matchup was finalized. Despite the line being four points higher than it had been in previous days at some sportsbooks, bettors quickly jumped on the Buckeyes bandwagon. The Buckeyes’ recent form and their potential to dominate have clearly captured the public’s confidence.
Ohio State’s journey to the playoffs was not without its hiccups. They entered the postseason after a shocking upset loss to Michigan in the final week of the regular season. The Buckeyes were a 20.5-point favorite over the Wolverines, making the loss even more surprising. According to ESPN Research, since 1998, in the BCS/College Football Playoff era, only two teams—2008 Florida and 2016 Clemson—have lost as 20-plus-point favorites during the regular season and rebounded to win the national championship. The Buckeyes, along with Notre Dame, have a chance to join that exclusive list this year.
Notre Dame, who suffered a loss to Northern Illinois as 28.5-point favorites early in the season, showcased their resilience by rallying past Penn State on Thursday in the Capital One Orange Bowl. This victory secured their spot in the championship game, where they will face the winner of the Texas-Ohio State clash on January 20 in Atlanta.
The betting public has been steadfast in their support for Ohio State throughout the season, and this trend continues as they prepare to face Texas. As of Friday morning, approximately 72% of the bets placed—and 82% of the money wagered—on the Cotton Bowl at ESPN BET was on Ohio State. At BetMGM, a significant 28.2% of the money bet on the sportsbook’s odds to win the national championship is on the Buckeyes, surpassing the combined wagers on Texas and Notre Dame.
- Ohio State is listed as around 8-point favorites over Notre Dame in a potential championship game showdown.
- Texas is a 3-point favorite over Notre Dame in the early lines.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, the excitement and speculation continue to mount. Will Ohio State live up to the expectations and deliver a performance worthy of their favoritism, or will Texas defy the odds and pull off an upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the betting world will be watching closely.
Originally Written by: David Purdum
