AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for their long-awaited return to the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 10, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. CT. This College Football Playoff semifinal matchup is especially significant as it presents the Longhorns with another chance to chase their first national title since 2005.
Both teams are approaching this game with great anticipation. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian recently reflected on the matchup, stating, "It's a heck of an opponent in Ohio State." He believes his team is the underdog, especially after the Buckeyes' commanding victory over Oregon. "Nobody's going to give us a shot," he remarked, emphasizing the dedication and effort his team will need to win.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day reciprocated Sarkisian's respect, acknowledging the talent within the Texas roster. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sark and the way he designs his offenses," said Day. This matchup marks the fourth meeting between these two historic programs, with Texas holding the current series lead at 2-1, their last victory being at the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.
Leading the Longhorns onto the field is quarterback Quinn Ewers, making this game even more personal as he faces his former team. Ewers expressed his ambitions to finally secure the prestigious championship for Texas. “This game is my life, and this game is this whole team's life,” he stated. After last year’s Sugar Bowl exit, where they narrowly lost to Washington, his motivation has reached new heights.
Texas heads to the Cotton Bowl on the heels of their nail-biting 39-31 double-overtime win against Arizona State, where the Longhorns displayed resilience and determination. Notably, Andrew Mukuba, who seized the game-ending interception, played a pivotal role, ensuring their playoff dreams remained alive. The thrilling victory left Ewers and his teammates with the taste of success and the copious sacrifices made to reach this stage.
"We're at our best when we can run it, and that's what gives us balance," explained Sarkisian about his team's strategy. This is particularly important as their rushing attack, which saw incredible success earlier this season, seemingly faltered against Arizona State, earning just 53 yards.
Competing against the Buckeyes won’t be straightforward, as Ohio State boasts impressive metrics, including their defensive prowess, having sacked Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times during their last game. Sarkisian was forthright about the challenge: "They're ferocious up front—with big edge players and talented pass rushers. We’ll have to step up to have any chance to win this game.”
The Buckeyes also bring one of the most formidable receiving combos in college football: Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith. They wreaked havoc in their playoff victory, combining for 259 yards and three touchdowns against No. 1 ranked Oregon, prompting Sarkisian to cautious admiration: “These guys are impactful players. We’re going to have our hands full.”
Off the field, the Texas Longhorns' beloved mascot, Bevo, will finally make his much-anticipated return for the Cotton Bowl. After being sidelined for both the SEC Championship and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl—due to safety and space constraints—Bevo will be present at AT&T Stadium to cheer on his Longhorns. “With the cameras and cheerleaders on the sidelines, it’s difficult to fit Bevo,” explained Peach Bowl President and CEO Gary Stokan previously.
Despite the challenges leading to Bevo's absence from previous games, he’s no stranger to the Cotton Bowl, having been present during the Longhorns’ Big 12 Championship victory earlier this season. His presence adds to the excitement surrounding the game and serves as motivation for the players who represent this storied program.
Looking back on history, Texas has tasted victory over Ohio State, but this meeting promises to be fiercely competitive. Coach Sarkisian is calling upon the Longhorn Nation to show support at Arlington, saying, “I need Longhorn Nation to show out. It’s going to be tougher than ever.”
The stakes couldn't be higher for Texas as they play for the chance to advance to the national title, with the next game looming on January 20, should they defeat the Buckeyes. Ewers, along with his team, holds firmly onto the belief they can bring home the championship trophy after nearly two decades of yearning.