The excitement is palpable as the No. 5 Texas Longhorns prepare to face off against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal this Thursday evening at the Cotton Bowl. With the Longhorns entering the game as six-point underdogs, all eyes will be on this high-stakes matchup. The Buckeyes have shown their dominance in the playoffs, having convincingly defeated Tennessee and Oregon in their previous semifinal appearances.
What’s at stake for Texas?
If Texas emerges victorious against Ohio State, they will earn a coveted spot in the national championship game on January 21 in Atlanta. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Longhorns, who are eager to add to their storied legacy. But before they can think about a national title, they must first overcome the formidable Buckeyes.
Texas football championship history
Let’s take a moment to delve into the rich championship history of Texas football. The Longhorns have claimed four national titles throughout their storied existence. Here’s a breakdown of those championships, along with the organizations that recognized them:
- 2005: BCS
- 1970, shared with Nebraska, Ohio State: AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI
- 1969: AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI
- 1963: AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI
The 1970 season is particularly intriguing, as it remains a point of contention among fans and historians alike. While the Associated Press crowned the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers as the national champion, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and UPI polls were conducted before the Longhorns and Buckeyes squared off in their respective bowl games. It’s worth noting that both Texas and Ohio State lost their bowl games that year, with Texas falling to Notre Dame 24-11 in the Cotton Bowl and Ohio State losing to Stanford 27-17 at the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, Nebraska secured their title by defeating LSU 17-12 in the Orange Bowl.
When was Texas’ last national championship?
The Longhorns last tasted national championship glory in 2005 during an unforgettable BCS title game. Texas entered the contest as the undefeated Big 12 champions, led by the electrifying quarterback Vince Young. Their opponent? The equally impressive USC Trojans, boasting Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush and their own undefeated record as Pac-12 champions.
The game was a nail-biter, filled with drama and excitement. With just two minutes left on the clock, Young orchestrated a game-winning drive that culminated in an eight-yard rushing touchdown. He even converted a two-point conversion, sealing the deal for Texas with a thrilling 41-38 victory. It was a moment that Longhorns fans will cherish forever.
Texas football record in bowl games
Throughout their illustrious history, the Longhorns have made a significant impact in bowl games, participating in a total of 57. Their overall record stands at 31 wins, 24 losses, and 2 ties. Should Texas triumph over Ohio State, head coach Steve Sarkisian will boast an impressive 3-1 record in College Football Playoff games, further solidifying his reputation as a leader capable of guiding the Longhorns to greatness.
The road ahead for Texas
As the Longhorns gear up for this crucial matchup, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Can Texas rise to the occasion and topple the Buckeyes? The answer lies in their performance on the field. With a rich history of success and a passionate fan base behind them, the Longhorns have everything to play for.
In the world of college football, anything can happen, and this semifinal showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter. With the chance to compete for a national title on the line, both teams will leave it all on the field. Will Texas continue their quest for glory, or will Ohio State prove too strong? One thing is certain: the Cotton Bowl will be electric, and fans won’t want to miss a moment of this epic clash.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the excitement builds. The Longhorns are ready to make their mark, and the stage is set for a memorable night in college football history. What will unfold in this highly anticipated game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spirit of competition is alive and well, and the Longhorns are hungry for victory.
