Ohio State has been blitzing less during its College Football Playoff run but has seen an uptick in sacks during wins over Oregon and Tennessee.

Ohio State needed to make sure it had enough players to last a grueling, potential 17-game season. One new addition is the exact reason why.

On the back end, Texas has allowed only eight passing scores this year and ranks No. 3 in pass defense success rate. All-American cornerback Jahdae Barron had a standout season with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups and is a key cog in the hopes of slowing down Ohio State receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Ohio State takes on Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which serves as a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are favored.

There's always a lot on the line when Ohio State and Texas take the field, and Friday evening is no exception. The (8) Buckeyes and (5) Longhorns are set to face off in the Cotton Bowl, with a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line.

Whoever wins the Cotton Bowl on Friday night will be the favorite to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 20. Here's what you need to know ahead of the big showdown between Ohio State and Texas.

Ohio State's stars are finally showing up in the biggest moments and Jim Knowles' defensive scheme is working.