Here’s how Ohio State would fare in CFP against Texas A&M, Miami

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Ohio State is waiting to see which team advances from the College Football Playoff first round to complete the Cotton Bowl matchup in Arlington, Texas.

Despite falling to Indiana 13-10 in the Big Ten title game, the Buckeyes are the CFP’s No. 2 seed. They dropped just one spot from the top ranking they’d held the previous five weeks.

Ohio State will be in the hunt for a second consecutive national championship, which would be a first in school history. Last year, the Buckeyes had to play four games to secure the title as the No. 6 seed, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame.

Who does Ohio State play next in College Football Playoff?

Ohio State will face the winner of the first-round matchup between Texas A&M and Miami in the Cotton Bowl.

The Aggies (11-1) enter the playoff as the No. 7 seed. They missed out on a bye after a loss to Texas cost them a spot in the SEC championship game. The Hurricanes (10-2) are the only ACC team in the playoff, creeping in at the No. 10 slot despite being left out of the top-12 in the previous three playoff rankings.

Why Ohio State facing Texas A&M in CFP quarterfinals is the better matchup

The Aggies have allowed more passing touchdowns than any other team in the playoff, giving up 16 through 12 games.

The Buckeyes, who have recorded 32 touchdowns across 13 games, can capitalize on the occasional lapses in Texas A&M’s secondary, especially if wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are fully healthy. Toward the end of the season, the two missed multiple games with injuries. Despite having to sit out, they still managed to combine for 20 touchdowns this year.

Why Ohio State facing Miami in CFP quarterfinals is the better matchup

Miami, which averages 275.8 passing yards and 152.6 rushing yards per game, would be playing an Ohio State team with the stingiest passing defense the Hurricanes have faced all season.

The Buckeyes have the top-passing defense in the nation, and their ability to shut down the passing game could give them the edge if they face quarterback Carson Beck and the Hurricanes.

Texas A&M vs. Miami prediction

While the Aggies enter the first-round playoff matchup with the offensive advantage, recording 454.4 yards per game, the Hurricanes have the defensive edge, allowing just 277.8 yards per game.

The Aggies, however, have faced slightly tougher tests this season, with ESPN ranking them 17th nationally in strength of schedule, compared to Miami sitting at 45th. Both teams have close victories over Notre Dame, the first team out of the playoff, but no other wins over ranked teams.

With Texas A&M’s experience in the SEC, the Aggies should defeat Miami and advance to face Ohio State.

When does Ohio State play next?

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are scheduled for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The Buckeyes will learn their opponent after Texas A&M and Miami play on Dec. 20.