Steve Sarkisian: OSU ‘Best Team in CFB,’ Texas ‘Massive Underdogs’ in Cotton Bowl

Key Takeaways:

• Sarkisian Calls Ohio State ‘Best in College Football’
• Texas Embraces Underdog Role for Cotton Bowl Matchup
• Quinn Ewers to Face Former Team, Ohio State
• Both Teams Enter Cotton Bowl After Significant Bowl Wins
• Rivalry Renewed Between Texas and Ohio State After 15 Years

A Steep Challenge Ahead for the Longhorns

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian believes his team is preparing to face the toughest opponent in college football when the Longhorns meet Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on January 10. Speaking to reporters during a Friday Zoom call, Sarkisian did not shy away from acknowledging the formidable task ahead.

“I need Longhorn Nation to show out in Arlington,” Sarkisian said, according to ESPN’s Dave Wilson. “We’re going to need everything we’ve got to try to win this game. Clearly, we’re massive underdogs. Nobody’s going to give us a shot.”

He continued, “This is the best team in college football, and we’re going to have to make sure that we put our best forward to give ourselves a chance to win the game.”

Texas’s Hard-Fought Path to the Cotton Bowl

The Longhorns secured their place in the Cotton Bowl after a thrilling 39-31 double-overtime victory against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The game was anything but easy for Texas, as the underdog Sun Devils pushed them to the brink. Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo was named Peach Bowl MVP, highlighting the intensity of the matchup.

Ohio State Riding High After Rose Bowl Win

Ohio State enters the Cotton Bowl with significant momentum following a commanding 41-21 win over top-ranked Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Despite falling in playoff seeding due to a regular-season finale loss to Michigan, the No. 6 Buckeyes showcased their strength against Oregon.

Head coach Ryan Day is focused on keeping his team grounded amid rising expectations. “Nothing that’s happened in the past, or really the noise that’s around the building has anything to do with our preparation and our focus and our process, and that’s what we’ve been diving into,” Day said during his media appearance on Friday, as reported by 247Sports’ Hank South.

Day emphasized discipline and preparation, stating, “We got to do a great job this late in the season of being disciplined to do a better job than Texas.”

Quinn Ewers Faces Former Team

Adding an intriguing subplot to the upcoming game, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will face his former team. Ewers transferred to Texas after spending one season with Ohio State. His return adds personal stakes to an already high-profile matchup.

Ryan Day spoke highly of his former quarterback, calling Ewers “one of the best quarterbacks in the country,” according to Hank South.

A Rivalry Renewed

The Cotton Bowl marks the first meeting between Texas and Ohio State since the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, which saw the Longhorns triumph with a 41-21 victory. Texas holds an all-time 2-1 record against the Buckeyes, adding historical significance to the contest.

Looking Ahead to January 10

With a championship game berth on the line, both teams are preparing intensely for their showdown in Arlington. Sarkisian is calling on fans to support the Longhorns in what promises to be a defining moment of their season.

“We’re massive underdogs, but we’re ready to step up to the challenge,” Sarkisian said. “We need Longhorn Nation behind us as we face the best team in college football.”

As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the Cotton Bowl to see if Texas can overcome the odds against a powerhouse Ohio State team.