The worst nightmare of any Ohio State Buckeyes fan will soon rank among the best things ever to happen to the team. 

The stunning home loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale has brought out the best in the most talented team in the nation, allowing Ohio State to dismantle Tennessee and its top-10 defense, 42-17, before embarrassing No. 1 Oregon by scoring the first 34 points of the Rose Bowl. 

The Buckeyes will not win every playoff game in a blowout, but they’re not going to lay another egg. If star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — who has 290 receiving yards and four touchdowns through two rounds — receives single coverage, Texas’ entire coaching staff should be fired before leaving the Cotton Bowl. 

If Smith is doubled, Will Howard will take advantage — boasting the fourth-best completion percentage in the nation (72.6) — finding projected first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka or handing to TreVeyon Henderson, who is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry in the playoff, thanks to significant improvement from Ohio State’s offensive line. 

The Buckeyes’ top-ranked defense will enjoy this matchup even more, facing an offense that has scored more than two (regulation) touchdowns in just two of its past five games. 

The Longhorns failed in their only games against a top-10 team. In the playoff, Texas needed a fourth-and-13 completion to squeak past No. 12 Arizona State after struggling to put away No. 16 Clemson at home. 

The enhanced emotions of the matchup won’t benefit former Buckeye Quinn Ewers, who has thrown five interceptions in the past four games and faces a defensive front with 12 sacks in two playoff games. 

Betting on College Football?

Ohio State hasn’t lost three games in a season in 13 years. The loss to Michigan will ensure the streak doesn’t end this season. 

The pick: Ohio State -6 (-105, Caesars Sportsbook)