Ohio State vs. Texas: Cotton Bowl live updates, score, highlights

3Q, 8:30: Ohio State punts

Facing a 3rd-and-1 inside its own 25-yard line, Ohio State could not convert as Quinshon Judkins was stopped on the toss play. Texas will take back over on its 33-yard line trailing 14-7.

Cody Simon injured

First-team All-Big Ten selection Cody Simon went down after forcing Texas to punt but walked off on his own power.

J.T. Tuimoloua returns

Ohio State EDGE J.T. Tuimoloua has returned to play in the second half after dealing with an ankle injury in the first half.

3Q, 13:04: Will Howard intercepted

Looking across the middle, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was picked off by Texas linebacker David Gbenda.

Second half underway

Ohio State starts 1st-and-10 from its 25-yard line.

Ryan Day stresses winning ‘middle eight’

As the Buckeyes headed into the locker room, Ryan Day emphasized how Ohio State needs to start the second half fast.

“We knew this was going to be a battle,” Day told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “We knew it was gonna go into the second half. So, did a nice job here at winning the end of the first half. Now, we got to win the middle eight here by coming out with a great drive in the second half.”

Steve Sarkisian reacts for first half

After finding some momentum at the end of the half with a touchdown, Texas allowed Ohio State to score off a screen pass in the final seconds. The Longhorns trail 14-7 heading into the half.

“Well, the field position helped — we were backed up there a few times,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. “We had an opportunity the first drive, didn’t convert the fourth down. Got some field position, found some momentum. It’s unfortunate on the screen, we played really good defense in the first half. The screen hit us. There’s a lot of football left to be played.”

HT: Ohio State 14, Texas 7

2Q, 0:13: Ohio State 14, Texas 7

On the first play following Texas’ touchdown, Will Howard dumped a screen pass to TreVeyon Henderson, who went 75 yards to give the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead with 13 seconds remaining in the first half.

2Q, 0:29: Texas 7, Ohio State 7

Quinn Ewers found running back Jaydon Blue, connecting for an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 before the end of the half.

2Q, 0:49: Arch Manning picks up first down

Arch Manning picked up a critical first down on 4th-and-1 for Texas near midfield with less than a minute remaining in the first half. The play was reviewed for a fumble but the first down stood.

2Q, 2:00: Will Howard sacked

Facing a 3rd-and-10, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was sacked by an onslaught of Texas defenders for a 7-yard loss. The Buckeyes will punt on 4th-and-17 from their 20-yard line.

2Q, 5:22: Ohio State punts

After two offensive penalties for 15 yards on the drive, Ohio State punted. Texas takes over on its 15-yard line with less than six minutes remaining in the first half. The Buckeyes lead 7-0.

J.T. Tuimoloua update

Ohio State star EDGE J.T. Tuimoloua exited the injury tent. Trainers looked at his left ankle, which is heavily taped. He’s taking practice reps with an OSU reserve offensive lineman and appears like he’ll attempt to go back in.

2Q, 8:37: J.T. Tuimoloua injured

Ohio State EDGE J.T. Tuimoloua injured his left ankle, as it got caught under a teammate. He limped off the field under how own power to the injury tent.

Will Howard hand injury

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard appears to be working through an injury on his left, non-throwing hand.

Matthew Golden headed to locker room

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is headed to the locker room and dealing with a left ankle injury.

2Q, 12:28: Texas avoids turnover

On 3rd-and-11, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Texas offensive lineman DJ Campbell. After a 51-yard punt, Ohio State takes over its 34-yard line.

END 1Q: Ohio State 7, Texas 0

Ohio State leads 7-0 entering the second quarter. The Buckeyes face a 4th-and-21 coming out of the quarter break the Texas 49-yard line.

Quinshon Judkins delivers major block

Quinshon Judkins delivered a major block to open up a path for TreVeyon Henderson.

Q1,4:57: J.T. Tuimoloua delivers key sack

After a penalty created a 3rd-and-12 situation, Ohio State sent the house as EDGE J.T. Tuimoloua sacked Quinn Ewers for a loss of four. The Buckeyes take back over on their 8-yard line.

Crazy CFP stat

Ohio State is now outscoring opponents 42-0 in the first quarter of the College Football Playoff.

Q1, 7:25: Ohio State 7, Texas 0

Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins‘ aggressive 9-yard touchdown run put the Buckeyes up 7-0 midway through the first quarter. The Buckeyes pieced together a 10-play, 64-yard drive spanning 4:18 on their first offensive possession of the game.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was 4 for 6 for 44 yards with one drop on the drive.

Q1, 11:42: Turnover on Downs

With Texas facing a 4th-and-3, Quinn Ewers‘ pass was broken up forcing a turnover on downs. Ohio State takes over on its 36-yard line.

Matthew Golden one-hand catch

Facing a 3rd-and-2, Texas picked up a first down as Quinn Ewers connected with Matthew Golden for a 24-yard pickup, with Golden reeling it in with one hand.

Coin Toss

Ohio State won the toss and has deferred to the second half. Texas will receive to start the Cotton Bowl.

College GameDay picks

Nick Saban, Pat McAfee and Desmond Howard all picked Ohio State while Lee Corso put on the Longhorn headgear.

Minster of Culture ready for kickoff

Matthew McConaughey was hanging out on the sidelines with Kirk Herbstreit’s dog, Peter.

Texas uniform combo

Texas is wearing its all-white uniform combo in the Cotton Bowl.

Closing in on kickoff

Marcus Freeman asked which team he wants to face

As Notre Dame celebrated its Orange Bowl victory Thursday night, Jeremiyah Love made it clear he wanted another shot at Ohio State. The Buckeyes will take on Texas in Friday’s Cotton Bowl, hoping to set up a date with the Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff national championship.

When presented with the opportunity to say the same thing, Love’s head coach deflected it. Marcus Freeman – a former Ohio State captain – opted not to predict Friday’s game during an appearance on ESPN College GameDay.

“You know what? In these three years of being a head coach, I’ve learned sometimes it’s better just to be quiet and to not give your opinion,” Freeman said. “There’s nothing good about saying what I think the results of today’s game will be. So I’m just going to keep that quiet and I’m looking forward to enjoying this game here in a little bit.”

Ryan Day reveals message to Ohio State ahead of Cotton Bowl

ESPN’s Holly Rowe spoke with Ryan Day on the field before warmups ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinals.

“It’s about the work you put in and the preparation,” Day said. “And everything like that. You can’t just say one thing before a game and think you’re gonna turn a team on. It takes, you know, 48 hours to get your body, your mind, your soul ready to go play in a game like this. The intensity will be at an all-time high and our guys are excited about it.”

Final betting line

Ohio State enters the Cotton Bowl as a 5.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel. The over-under is set at 51.5 points