As the excitement builds for the upcoming Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, all eyes are on Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. This Friday, Texas (13-2, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) will face off against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2, 7-2 Big Ten), and Sarkisian is ready to lead his team into battle. The stakes are high, as a victory would propel the Longhorns into the College Football Playoff national championship on January 20.
Reflecting on a Legendary Career
In a recent episode of the “Call Your Mom” podcast, sports journalist Holly Rowe shared a nostalgic moment by posting an old photo of herself with Sarkisian from the Cotton Bowl back in January 1997. In the picture, she held her son, McKylin Rowe, while standing next to the former BYU quarterback, who was dressed in his Cougars tracksuit.
Sarkisian’s performance during his senior year at BYU was nothing short of remarkable. He led the Cougars to a thrilling 19-15 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats in the Cotton Bowl, completing 21 of 36 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. His stellar play earned him the co-offensive MVP award, sharing the honor with former BYU wide receiver Kevin Lockett.
Coaching Style Mirroring Playing Days
During the podcast, Rowe dove deeper into how Sarkisian’s past as a quarterback influences his coaching style today. She noted that he approaches coaching with the same confidence and poise that characterized his playing days. “We actually just had a conference call today with Sark, and he said that he coaches like he played,” Rowe remarked. “He was a cocky, confident, poised, commanding quarterback, and that’s how he coaches. I think that’s really cool.”
Calling for Fan Support Against Ohio State
In a press conference leading up to the game, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of fan support as the Longhorns prepare to take on the favored Buckeyes. DraftKings has placed Ohio State as a -238 favorite, making Texas the underdog in this matchup. Sarkisian made a heartfelt plea to the Longhorn Nation, urging them to show up in droves to support the team.
“We’re gonna need our fans. We’re gonna need our fans’ support,” Sarkisian stated. “I need Longhorn Nation to show out in Arlington. We’re gonna need everything we got to try to win this game. Clearly, we are massive underdogs. Nobody’s gonna give us a shot, so we’re gonna need all that we can to try to win this game,” he added.
The Road to the Cotton Bowl
The anticipation surrounding this game is palpable, as it marks a significant moment in Sarkisian’s career. He has come full circle, returning to the Cotton Bowl where he once shined as a player. Rowe highlighted this connection during the podcast, noting, “Steve is awesome. I am a huge fan of Steve Sarkisian. He was a winning quarterback. One of the best and most successful seasons ever in BYU school history. They went to the Cotton Bowl, and guess where he is coaching the Texas Longhorns this weekend, in the Cotton Bowl.”
As the Longhorns prepare for battle, the pressure is on. With a chance to advance to the national championship on the line, every play, every decision, and every ounce of support from the fans will be crucial. The team is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling contest against a formidable opponent.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake
The implications of this game extend far beyond a single bowl victory. For Sarkisian, it represents an opportunity to solidify his legacy as a coach and to further elevate the Texas football program. A win against Ohio State would not only boost the team’s confidence but also send a message to the college football world that the Longhorns are a force to be reckoned with.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement is building. Fans are eager to see if Sarkisian can channel the same energy and determination that defined his playing career into a successful coaching performance. Will the Longhorns rise to the occasion and defy the odds? Or will Ohio State prove too strong? One thing is for certain: the Cotton Bowl will be a must-watch event for college football fans everywhere.
So, as we count down the days to this highly anticipated matchup, let’s rally behind the Longhorns and show them the support they need to claim victory. After all, in college football, anything can happen, and the thrill of the game is what makes it so special.
