What if Texas beats Ohio State? Closer look at Steve Sarkisian's chances to make CFP national championship

The No. 4 Texas Longhorns are set to face the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday in the Cotton Bowl. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian hopes to lead UT to a win and advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game.

If Texas (13-2) beats Ohio State (12-2), it will face the winner of the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2) and No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) for the national title on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

On Wednesday, the Longhorns defeated the No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils (11-3) 39-31 in the second overtime to win the Peach Bowl. Texas had a 17-8 lead to start the fourth quarter. However, Arizona State scored 16 points to send the game into overtime.

Sarkisian helped his team regroup for the win, keeping the Longhorns' championship pursuit alive. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers went 20 of 30 for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Although the Longhorns beat Arizona State, Ohio State could present a more formidable challenge on Friday.

Ohio State's chances of beating Texas in the Cotton Bowl

On New Year's Day, the Buckeyes had a commanding 41-21 victory over the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard completed 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. One of his favorite targets in the game was wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Sarkisian's team enters Friday's matchup with the third-best offense in total yards, with 6,659 yards. Meanwhile, Ohio State has the second-best defense in fewest yards allowed, with 3,425 yards.

DraftKings has Ohio State as a -230 favorite to win the Cotton Bowl. The defense from the Buckeyes could be what sways the game in their favor on Friday.

Key players for Texas in Cotton Bowl

Steve Sarkisian will look to Quinn Ewers for another strong performance to advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game. The Ohio State defense may pressure the Longhorns quarterback as the team is third in most sacks with 47 sacks.

While the offensive line has to try its best to protect Ewers, he has to avoid turnovers. He enters the Cotton Bowl with 11 interceptions for the season. Running back Quintrevion Wisner could play a significant role in the offense's scoring ability against Ohio State. He has 209 carries for 1,108 yards and five touchdowns in his sophomore year.

Defensive back Jahdae Barron could be another key player for Sarkisian. He has five interceptions this season, the most on the team. The Longhorns coach may have Barron cover Smith to prevent the wide receiver from having another strong performance.

Texas has the talent on offense and defense to defeat the Buckeyes in Friday's playoff game.