Top 3 Texas offensive players to watch out for in 2024 Cotton Bowl ft. Quinn Ewers

It’s been 16 years since the Texas Longhorns last played in the National Championship Game. To end the drought, they will have to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.

The Longhorns offense has enough playmakers to score on any defense, but the Buckeyes have only allowed three touchdowns in a game twice this season.

One aspect that should help Texas is that the game will be held in Arlington, around three hours away from campus, so at least they won’t be facing a loud and hostile crowd.

Top 3 Texas offensive players in the Cotton Bowl

The Longhorns offense scored over 30 points in both CFP games they’ve played, but they needed double overtime to do so against Arizona State. The Buckeyes will be the toughest defense they’ve faced since playing Georgia, whom they lost to twice this year.

Matthew Golden is the leading receiver for the Longhorns. - Source: Imagn

#3. Cameron Williams, Offensive Tackle

Make no mistake, if the Longhorns want to beat Ohio State, they will need a stellar game from their offensive line. Under the microscope will be Cameron Williams, who did not play against the Sun Devils.

Williams and the Longhorns' offensive line will be tested, as the Buckeyes totaled 12 sacks in their two postseason games so far. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the nation. Williams has to bring his “A” game if the Longhorns want to keep Quinn Ewers clean.

#2. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver

This has been a breakout year for the junior wide receiver. He’s established career highs in receptions (56), yards (936) and touchdowns (9). Now he will go against the vaunted Ohio State secondary.

Matthew Golden is coming off a seven-reception, 149-yard day. His biggest catch was the game-tying 28-yard touchdown on fourth and 13 in overtime. That play kept the Longhorns season alive.

It will be up to Golden and Isaiah Bond to find spots against one of the top secondaries in the nation if Texas is to win the game.

#1. Quinn Ewers, Quarterback

The 2024 season has been a roller coaster for Quinn Ewers. The junior signal caller entered the season as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, but injuries and inconsistency have brought his stock down a little.

Ewers has passed for 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But he’s coming off a strong game against Arizona State, completing 20 of 30 passing attempts for 322 yards, three scores, and a pick. His fourth-down pass to Golden will live in Texas lore.

The Buckeyes, however, pose a different threat. They have the best defense Ewers has faced since the SEC Championship Game when he was sacked six times and was intercepted twice.