PASADENA, Calif. – The upcoming Cotton Bowl will see Texas in a more familiar setting compared to Ohio State. For the Buckeyes, their victory in this game will pave the way towards a potential shot at the national championship in Atlanta, making this matchup significant not just for the teams involved but for the entire college football playoff landscape.
On January 10, two of the most esteemed college football programs will clash at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Ranked No. 6, Ohio State (12-2, CFP No. 8 seed) has emerged as a preferred team, characterized by nearly a seven-point betting line that indicates significant confidence in their capabilities—especially after their recent performances. Over the last couple of games, the Buckeyes have showcased the depth of their talent, showing why many consider them contenders for the title since the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Head coach Ryan Day has successfully guided his team back from two losses in the regular season, culminating in significant victories against top teams, including a decisive 42-17 win over No. 7 Tennessee and a commanding 41-21 triumph against top-ranked Oregon in the most recent Rose Bowl. Receiver Emeka Egbuka highlighted the strong chemistry within the team, expressing their desire to prolong their season and cherish the moments shared as a group of friends working towards a common goal.
Despite the Buckeyes’ commanding form, their rival Texas (13-2, CFP No. 5 seed) only has to traverse a mere 200 miles from Austin to Arlington for its second consecutive playoff semifinal. While Texas has not been as dominant as Ohio State in recent matchups, they remain a strong contender under coach Steve Sarkisian’s guidance. The Longhorns’ only defeat this season came from Georgia, but they’ve bounced back robustly by defeating Clemson 38-24 and surviving a closely contested double-overtime victory against Arizona State with a final score of 39-31 in the Peach Bowl.
In that nail-biting Peach Bowl game, Texas once held a 16-point advantage before faltering in the fourth quarter. They managed to rally after missing crucial field goal opportunities and executing a pivotal touchdown pass late in overtime, showcasing their determination and resilience. Coach Sarkisian praised the group’s ability to rise to the occasion under pressure, noting the pride he feels in their grit.
Fans of both teams will witness standout performances, including a chance to see outstanding freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, who made a notable impact in the Rose Bowl game with two impressive touchdown catches. On the other side, Texas fans can look forward to watching quarterback Quinn Ewers, a Texas native and former Buckeye, who has now established himself as a key player for the Longhorns.
Ewers, once a highly sought-after recruit who initially committed to Texas before transferring to Ohio State, returned to Texas to lead the Longhorns as a starting quarterback. His journey has been notable, and the upcoming game marks an interesting reunion of sorts.
Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard also boasts connections to Texas, having previously played at the Big 12 championship during his time with Kansas State. He led the Wildcats to a stunning victory over an undefeated TCU in overtime and had competing experiences facing the Longhorns, providing him a unique insight into this big matchup.
The Cotton Bowl carries historical significance for both teams, with Texas returning for its 23rd appearance in the prestigious bowl, maintaining its record ahead of Texas A&M’s offers. Ohio State, meanwhile, is participating in this storied bowl for the fourth time, having experienced mixed outcomes in the past, including a disappointing loss the previous year.
This matchup is only the fourth meeting between these two powerhouse teams, and it sets the stage for their next encounter at Ohio Stadium in the 2024 season opener. The rivalry’s history includes memorable games in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, sharing victories on each other’s home turf, as well as a thrilling Fiesta Bowl that capped the 2008-09 season with a narrow Texas victory.
In this prestigious bowl game, fans from both sides are eager to see the culmination of a season characterized by struggle, resilience, and talent as they prepare for a clash that will be remembered for years to come.
