The Buckeyes’ defense will be tested by the high-flying Longhorns, who are 13-2 and rank 21st in scoring. Texas lost to Georgia twice this year but bounced back to beat Clemson in the first round and Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, approaching 40 points in both victories.

The two other semifinalists, Notre Dame and Penn State, are traveling more than 1,200 miles each to the Orange Bowl this week. Ohio State and Penn State each traveled more than 2,200 to their quarterfinal. Texas’ 928-mile trip to Atlanta will be the furthest the Longhorns must go.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 2: Fireworks go off during the playing of the National Anthem before the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 2, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

The College Football Playoff, in its first year with a 12-team field, began Dec. 20 and ends Jan. 20, 2025. Find a full schedule and all results here,

Either Marcus Freeman or James Franklin will become the first Black head coach to make an FBS national championship game, and other story lines to watch in the Orange and Cotton Bowls.