For a school that got so much right in its introduction to college football’s upper crust, to the point that it’s the SEC’s last hope, Texas sure picked the wrong side of the bracket. Notre Dame or Penn State would have been just fine in the semifinals.

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.

Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik and Andrew Gillis give their score predictions for Ohio State football's game against Texas in the Cotton Bowl.