The excitement is building for the highly anticipated Cotton Bowl matchup featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Scheduled for January 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET, this electrifying contest will be broadcast live on ESPN, drawing college football fans from all around.
How These Teams Got Here
Ohio State is stepping into this game as a favorite, showcasing their incredible performance throughout the playoff rounds with a staggering 83-38 combined score. Their impressive journey has been marked by powerful plays, particularly from their standout quarterback, Will Howard. Meanwhile, Texas has had its share of challenges, including a nail-biting finish to defeat Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. This thrilling victory has given them plenty of confidence as they gear up for the big game.
How the QBs Stack Up
Quarterback Will Howard has emerged as a key player for Ohio State, consistently throwing for over 300 yards in each playoff game. His ability to connect with receivers and navigate defenses has been impressive. On the other hand, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers had an up-and-down season but showed remarkable skill in overtime, especially in the game against Arizona State. All eyes will be on these two players as their performances could make or break their teams in the Cotton Bowl.
Texas’ Home-Field Advantage … and the Weather
This year’s Cotton Bowl will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – a venue that gives the Longhorns a slight edge in terms of home field advantage. However, there’s also a chance of a winter storm that could impact attendance and gameplay. Fans are hopeful that the weather will be clear, but it certainly adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the matchup.
Players to Watch
- Will Howard (Ohio State): As mentioned, he’s been on fire this playoff season, lighting up the field with his throwing capabilities.
- Quinn Ewers (Texas): Ewers has had a rollercoaster season but delivered when it mattered most. His ability to rally in challenging moments has made him a player to keep an eye on.
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): This Buckeyes running back has turned up his game during the playoffs, proving to be a game-changer for Ohio State’s offense.
- Gunnar Helm (Texas): As Texas’s leading tight end in receptions and touchdowns, Helm’s impact cannot be overlooked.
Key to the Game
With both teams bringing strong offenses, the key to winning the Cotton Bowl will likely hinge on defense. Texas’s pass defense has shown vulnerability in the playoffs, allowing significantly more passing yards than they typically do during the regular season. If Ohio State can exploit this weakness, they could take an early lead that could be tough for Texas to overcome. On the flip side, the Longhorns will aim to tighten their defense and slow down Howard’s attacks.
Ticket Blunders Among Fans
Interestingly, some Ohio State fans have made headlines for the wrong reasons. A few mistakenly purchased tickets for the upcoming 2025 Orange Bowl, thinking their team would participate there instead of the Cotton Bowl. They ended up catching the Penn State-Notre Dame Orange Bowl game instead of supporting their own team! This lighthearted blunder reflects the excitement surrounding college football and the high demand for playoff tickets, which can cost over $1,000.
Final Thoughts
This Cotton Bowl showdown promises to be an unforgettable display of athletic talent and school pride. With Ohio State and Texas both aiming for a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship, fans are in for a real treat. As they prepare for the game, the question remains: who will come out on top in this titanic clash?
