On Friday night, college football excitement reaches new heights as the Texas Longhorns face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the highly anticipated 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. Fans of both teams won’t want to miss this showdown, as it determines who moves on to challenge Notre Dame for the national championship title.
The game is set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET on January 10, 2024, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. For those unable to attend, the action will be broadcast live on ESPN, providing fans with multiple viewing options, including the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers free trials for new subscribers.
The matchup is unique for both squads, having showcased their resilience through the CFP. The Longhorns, seeded fifth, battled their way through the playoffs, beginning with a decisive victory over the No. 12 seed Clemson Tigers, winning 38-24. They continued their thrilling run with a nail-biting 39-31 double-overtime win against the No. 4 seeded Arizona State Sun Devils. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, previously from Ohio State, threw the game-tying touchdown pass on fourth-and-9 during overtime, showcasing his clutch performance on the biggest stage.
Ohio State, on the other hand, combined strength and strategy throughout their playoff campaign. Following their only regular-season loss to Michigan, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes came back stronger, beating the ninth-seeded Tennessee Volunteers 42-17 and then overpowering the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl with a 41-21 score. Quarterback Will Howard has been on fire, throwing for 630 yards and five touchdowns across the two playoff games, establishing Ohio State as a formidable contender.
The stage is set for what promises to be a legendary contest between two college football powerhouses. For fans, knowing where and how to watch is just as important as the hype around the game. The Cox Stadium will be buzzing with excitement, and millions will tune in to ESPN. Veteran commentators Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will provide their insights, with sideline reports from Holly Rowe and Stormy Buonantony, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the drama as it transpires.
Adding to the intrigue is the storyline of Quinn Ewers returning to play against his former team. The stakes are high for him not only as the Longhorns' leader but also as someone who knows the Buckeyes’ strengths. This unforeseen twist only adds to the electrifying atmosphere expected at the Cotton Bowl.
So mark your calendars, prepare your snacks, and get ready for the thrill of college football! With tradition steeped on both sides and stakes higher than ever, this is one Cotton Bowl game you won’t want to miss. Tune in to ESPN or catch the game on Fubo if streaming is your preferred option. The winner of this matchup will not only claim bragging rights but also the opportunity to compete for the national championship against Notre Dame on January 20, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It’s games like this one where legends are forged through the fires of the gridiron battle. Are you ready for the showdown? Let the games begin!