Paul Finebaum believes picking Texas over Ohio State is 'just not possible'

A few weeks back, as Ohio State was limping into the College Football Playoff, not many people expected the Buckeyes to make the national title game. However, after back-to-back blowout wins over Tennessee and Oregon, Paul Finebaum can’t imagine Ohio State not playing for a national championship.

Finebaum was asked for his thoughts on the Texas vs. Ohio State College Football Playoff semifinal game Friday on The Matt Barrie Show. He shared that he doesn’t see how it’s possible to not pick the Buckeyes.

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“Yea, I mean other than Bevo, nobody’s picking Texas to win this game,” Paul Finebaum said. “I mean it’s just not possible.”

Ohio State beat Tennessee and Oregon by 20-plus points in the CFP, while Texas narrowly advanced to the Cotton Bowl by beating Arizona State in double overtime. Finebaum expects someone on the SEC Network to pick Texas to win, but it’s not going to be him.

“I’m going to be on the SEC Network tonight where I’m sure somebody will say, ‘Oh, yea, Texas is going to win,’ because isn’t that ordained when you’re an SEC propagandist like we’re all accused of being? But you can’t do that,” Finebaum said.

He does see a scenario where Texas can keep the game competitive, but ultimately he expects Ohio State to win and perhaps win comfortably.

“I mean, there’s a way for it to be close,” Finebaum said. “But I think the first quarter is critical. Can Texas get something going? I mean Quinn Ewers is another one of those quarterbacks with all the high praise and accolades who gives you indigestion when you watch him play.”

Cam Newton says Cotton Bowl is national championship of CFP

Fellow ESPN analyst Cam Newton also offered his thoughts on the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas.

To end ‘First Take’ on Friday, Newton said the winner of Texas vs. Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl will be winning the College Football Playoff. He also is expecting a good semi tonight like we got last night between Penn State and Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

“It’s evident. This is the national championship tonight,” Newton stated.

“I do think that the game is going to be closer than expected. But even to last night’s game? And I think everybody’s anticipation for the College Football Playoffs? Last night was a good game,” said Newton. “Penn State-Notre Dame, contrary to what I may think or anybody else may think? It was a great game from a fan’s perspective. That’s all we want. I think we get that same type of turnout with Ohio State and Texas.”