The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for the biggest game of their season as they prepare to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. This highly anticipated clash is set for January 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET, and both teams are eager to secure a spot in the NCAA National Championship Game.
Texas enters this showdown following a tense overtime victory over Arizona State, a game that left fans on the edge of their seats. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Longhorns; kicker Bert Auburn had a rough outing, missing crucial field goals that could have sealed the win earlier. In fact, Auburn hit the upright on a last-second 38-yard attempt, and earlier in the game, he missed a 48-yarder with under two minutes left. This has raised questions about the kicker’s reliability, and head coach Steve Sarkisian has hinted that the Longhorns may lean more heavily on their quarterbacks, Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, in critical situations moving forward.
A looming rematch
Adding to the stakes, the Longhorns and Buckeyes are set to meet again to kick off the 2025 season. This means that the loser of Friday night’s game will have to sit with that bitter taste of defeat for quite some time, eagerly awaiting their chance at redemption. While Texas has shown resilience this season, leaving some questions unanswered after their win over the Sun Devils, Ohio State has been on a roll, steamrolling the Oregon Ducks in their last outing and establishing themselves as one of the most formidable teams in college football.
The challenge ahead
The Longhorns have faced tough competition throughout the season, but nothing quite compares to the challenge they will encounter at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State comes off a dominant performance, proving they can take down what was previously considered the best team in the nation. This is no small feat, and it sets the stage for an electrifying matchup.
Texas’s defense will certainly have their hands full. They are set to face elite talents like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, running back Tre’Veyon Henderson, and quarterback Will Howard, all guided by head coach Ryan Day. With such an array of offensive weapons, it’s clear that the Longhorns will need to be at their best to contain this high-powered Buckeyes offense.
Sarkisian’s strategy
As the Longhorns prepare for this monumental clash, Sarkisian is adamant that every player must be at 100% readiness. When addressing the situation with the kicker, he made a suspenseful statement that has left fans and analysts speculating. “We’ll monitor that thing through pregame and make a decision and go,” he said. This indicates that the coaching staff is considering all options, including relying on Ewers or Manning for short-yardage situations instead of settling for field goals.
Sarkisian’s comments suggest that the Longhorns might be less inclined to trust their kicking game in critical moments. This could lead to a more aggressive offensive strategy, particularly in fourth-down scenarios. With the stakes so high, it’s likely that Sarkisian will put the ball in the hands of his playmakers rather than risk it on a field goal attempt.
Key players returning
In a positive turn for Texas, offensive tackle Cam Williams is set to return to the lineup against the Buckeyes. Williams, who stands at six-foot-five and weighs 335 pounds, is a crucial player on the offensive line, primarily tasked with protecting Ewers and occasionally Manning. His presence will be vital for the Longhorns, especially as they look to establish a strong running game, which could be a game-changer against Ohio State.
Williams was a game-time decision in the previous matchup against Arizona State but is now fully healthy and ready to contribute. His ability to anchor the offensive line will be pivotal as Texas aims to assert control over the game, allowing them to dictate the pace and flow.
The road to victory
As the Longhorns prepare to face the Buckeyes, they know that victory will require a complete team effort. They will need to execute their game plan flawlessly, relying on both their offensive and defensive units to step up. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Texas has the potential to rise to the occasion.
Sarkisian’s strategy, the return of key players like Williams, and the determination of quarterbacks Ewers and Manning will all play significant roles in determining the outcome of this high-stakes semifinal. Will the Longhorns overcome their kicking woes and rise to the challenge against a powerhouse like Ohio State? Fans will be watching closely as the clock ticks down to kickoff.
With everything on the line, the Longhorns are ready to make their mark in college football history.
