Ohio State is playing Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
The anticipation is palpable; everyone wants to know who is ohio state playing in the bowl game this year. The Buckeyes have secured a spot, and fans are eager to see them compete.
The question on everyone’s mind finally has an answer. This year, Ohio State will face Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, setting up a fascinating matchup.
Who is Ohio State Playing in the Bowl Game?
The question on every Buckeye fan’s mind this time of year is: “Who is Ohio State playing in the bowl game?” It’s a big deal! The bowl game is the last game of the season, and it’s a chance for the team to show everyone what they’ve got. It’s also a fun time for fans to gather and cheer on their team. Let’s take a deep dive into understanding the process of how Ohio State gets chosen for a bowl game and what to expect this year.
Understanding the Bowl Game Selection Process
Before we get to the specific opponent, it’s helpful to understand how bowl games work. It’s not just a random pick! Many factors decide which team plays in which game. The main thing that affects where a team goes is their record for the season and how well they did in their conference, the Big Ten for Ohio State. Bowl games have agreements with different conferences. These are like partnerships where specific bowls get to choose teams from certain conferences.
Conference Tie-ins
Each bowl game has “tie-ins,” meaning they’re connected to specific conferences. The Big Ten Conference has agreements with several bowls. Depending on their record and place in the conference standings, Ohio State could end up in different bowls. Sometimes, the very best teams might even play in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, which is not just any bowl game, it’s the very top of college football. But remember, other Big Ten teams, who also have a good season record, might get chosen for higher-tier bowl game over Ohio State, depending on different factors. This process means that the bowl game selection is not a single-step process.
The Importance of Rankings
College football has polls and rankings. Teams get ranked depending on how well they win their games throughout the season. These rankings are important because they often decide which bowl games the teams go to. For example, if Ohio State has a top ranking, they’re more likely to play in a very popular and prestigious bowl game. These rankings also determine who gets into the CFP. The CFP committee chooses the top four teams to compete for the national title.
Bowl Game Tiers
Bowl games aren’t all the same! They are often placed in tiers, with games that have more national attention and bigger payouts. For example, the New Year’s Six bowl games, like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Peach Bowl, are considered the most prestigious outside of the CFP. Teams with the best records and highest rankings usually get to play in these bigger bowl games. Then, you have other bowls, that still are important, but might not receive the same level of national attention.
The Potential Opponents for Ohio State
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: who could Ohio State actually play? Because the bowl matchups get determined once the regular season and the conference championship games are complete, we have to consider many possibilities. Here, we look at some of the most likely scenarios:
Possible Playoff Scenarios
If Ohio State has an outstanding season and is ranked among the top four teams in the nation by the College Football Playoff Committee, they would be selected for the CFP. They would then either play a semifinal game against another top-ranked team. The winner of the semifinal will then proceed to play the championship game. For the most competitive football programs, this is the ultimate goal.
New Year’s Six Bowl Games
If Ohio State is among the top teams but doesn’t make the CFP, they would likely be in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl game. Which New Year’s Six game depends on where they rank in the rankings. Possible opponents could come from other top conferences, such as the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12. These matchups often present a challenge for the Buckeyes. They also provide great exposure for the university and team.
- Rose Bowl: This bowl is a classic and often features the Big Ten champion, unless the conference champion is in the CFP. In that case, the Rose Bowl may pick another highly ranked Big Ten team.
- Sugar Bowl: This bowl is tied to the SEC and Big 12 conferences, so a match-up against a high-profile team from those conferences is common.
- Cotton Bowl: This bowl can feature a match-up against a team from the SEC, Big 12, or even a top-ranked team from another Group of Five conference.
- Fiesta Bowl: This bowl often hosts a high-ranking team, and if the playoff is not an option, the Fiesta Bowl will grab a top team from Big Ten.
- Orange Bowl: The Orange Bowl usually involves a team from the ACC along with the highest-ranking non-playoff team from Big Ten.
- Peach Bowl: The Peach Bowl also pits high ranked non-playoff teams from different conferences against each other.
Other Bowl Possibilities
If Ohio State doesn’t make the New Year’s Six, there’s still a chance they could play in other bowl games. These games are still fun and allow teams to end the season with a victory. They’re also a great opportunity for teams to get national recognition. Some of these other bowls include:
- Citrus Bowl: Located in Orlando, this is a popular bowl that is often the next game after the New Year’s Six bowls in the Big Ten pecking order.
- ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly Outback Bowl): This bowl in Tampa, Florida is a frequent landing spot for a middle-tier Big Ten team.
- Music City Bowl: Located in Nashville, this is another bowl possibility that often includes a Big Ten team against an SEC team.
- Pinstripe Bowl: This bowl, played in Yankee Stadium, is another possibility for the Big Ten conference, though it is not very highly regarded.
- Guaranteed Rate Bowl: This is another lower-tier bowl that a middle-tier Big Ten team may be selected to play in.
Factors Affecting the Matchup
Several things can affect who Ohio State plays in a bowl game, and some of these can change even in the last few weeks of the season. Here’s a closer look:
Team Record
A team’s win-loss record has a big impact on which bowl game they might play in. A team with more wins will be in a better position to play in a better bowl game. Therefore, winning all games in a season is the goal for every team.
Conference Standing
Where Ohio State finishes in the Big Ten standings is also important. Winning the conference makes it a lot more likely that they will be in the playoffs or play in a New Year’s Six Bowl. If they do not win the conference, the team’s position in the conference standings still play a very significant role in the bowl game selection process.
Head-to-Head Results
Sometimes, if two teams have similar records, the outcome of games they played against each other can be a factor. If Ohio State defeated a team they have a similar record with, then that can give them the edge for a better bowl game selection.
Other Matchup Considerations
Bowl committees also look at more than just records. They want to create exciting matchups that fans want to watch. The committees may consider where each team is from and the fan bases that will travel to see the game. They also may take into consideration any interesting stories that make for good TV.
- Geographic Location: Bowl committees may try to place teams that are closer to the location of the bowl game to allow more fans to travel.
- Fan Base Size and Travel: Bowls also take into consideration how many fans are likely to come to the game. Ohio State has an enormous fan base that travels very well.
- TV Ratings: Bowl games are ultimately looking to get the biggest TV audience possible. The Ohio State Buckeyes are typically good at delivering on that.
What to Expect as a Fan
Being a Buckeye fan during bowl season is a special experience. Here are a few things you can expect:
Excitement and Speculation
The weeks leading up to the bowl game selection are filled with excitement and speculation about who Ohio State will play. Fans discuss the different possibilities, analyzing team matchups and potential outcomes. Many podcasts and shows are dedicated solely to the analysis of who will get chosen for what bowl game.
Travel and Gatherings
Many Buckeye fans travel to the bowl game to support the team. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the season with other fans. If you can’t travel, it’s still a fun time to gather with friends and family to watch the game on television.
A Final Chance to Cheer on the Buckeyes
The bowl game represents the final opportunity to cheer on the Buckeyes. It’s a chance for the team to leave it all on the field, and it provides a closing chapter for the season. No matter which game they play in, you can always expect to see Ohio State play hard and put up a good performance.
Understanding the Bowl’s Traditions
Each bowl game has its own unique traditions and events. Some games have pre-game parades, special foods, or fun fan activities. The Rose Bowl is known for its beautiful parade, while the Peach Bowl has an amazing fan fest. Every bowl has its own experience that is worth enjoying.
How to Stay Updated on the Bowl Game Matchup
With all the moving pieces and possibilities, it’s vital to stay informed. It’s important to have reliable sources to get your information. Here’s how you can stay up-to-date on where Ohio State is going to play:
Official College Football Websites
Websites like ESPN and the official College Football Playoff website are great sources for updates on bowl games. These sites provide news, rankings, and expert analysis throughout the season and the bowl season.
Ohio State Athletics Website
The official website of Ohio State Athletics is another great resource for all the news concerning the Buckeyes. You can find updates there, once the matchup is official.
Social Media
Follow Ohio State Football and other sports news outlets on social media platforms such as Twitter or X. Many insiders are going to share information there first. This provides access to real-time updates, rumors, and predictions from college football reporters. Always check if any news is officially verified before taking it as a definite fact.
Sports News Outlets
Major news outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports are great resources for updates on bowl game matchups and other news. They often have dedicated college football analysts who provide insights into who they think will go to which bowl. They also have writers covering the beat who will post official announcements, the moment the selection process is complete.
As the season winds down, the anticipation builds to see who Ohio State will face in their bowl game. While we can’t predict the future, understanding the process of how teams are selected for bowl games and the factors that go into those selections is important. Regardless of the final matchup, Buckeye fans will show up, ready to cheer on their team and make the most of this exciting end to the football season.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Oregon Ducks Rose Bowl Highlights | 2024-25 CFP
Final Thoughts
Ohio State faces Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. The game takes place on December 29th. This matchup presents a significant challenge. Fans are eager to see the Buckeyes compete.
This bowl game is a must-see event for college football fans. The question on everyone’s mind is, who is Ohio State playing in the bowl game? It’s Missouri. This game should be exciting.
