Ohio State is led by quarterback Will Howard, who's thrown for 32 touchdowns and 3,490 yards with a 72.6 completion percentage. The Buckeyes also have a plethora of offensive weapons who are bound to make plays in the Cotton Bowl, such as wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Texas and Ohio State arrived for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl before the snow expected to hit the North Texas area.