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.

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff has worked well for Ohio State thus far but not so much for some of its loyal fanbase. The Buckeyes are one win away from securing a berth in the national title game if it can get past the Texas Longhorns in Friday night's Cotton Bowl in Arlington,

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.