Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their showdown against the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While a win guarantees a spot in the national championship, the Buckeyes are fueled by more than just the allure of hardware. From past humiliations to lingering criticisms, this matchup is steeped in narratives of revenge, redemption, and resilience.
For Ohio State, every game this postseason has been layered with its own unique motivation. Revenge fueled their victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, erasing the sting of a one-point loss in Eugene. The Tennessee game came with the challenge of overcoming a hostile fan base and silencing doubts after the Wolverines’ attempt to plant a flag on Ohio State’s logo.
This time, the Buckeyes face Texas, a team brimming with talent but laden with inconsistencies. The motivation for this game? It’s less about a specific vendetta and more about solidifying Ohio State’s standing as one of college football’s elite programs.
“This game has to be about proving who we are,” said host Eric Boggs. “It’s not just about Quinn Ewers or Steve Sarkisian. It’s about showing the world we’re not the team everyone doubted after November 30th.”
Sarkisian, the Longhorns’ head coach, presents a unique challenge for the Buckeyes. As Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2020, Sarkisian orchestrated a dominant performance that left Ohio State reeling in the national championship. That bitter memory lingers in Columbus, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
“Ryan Day has to be fired up about this,” Cory Thompson added. “Sark embarrassed Ohio State in 2020. This is the perfect opportunity for Day to make a statement.”
Then there’s Quinn Ewers, the former Ohio State quarterback who transferred to Texas. While Ewers has been effective, Ohio State’s defensive line—fresh off an eight-sack performance—poses a significant threat. “The question is, does Ewers even finish this game?” Chris Wilds wondered, hinting at Texas potentially turning to freshman Arch Manning to exploit Ohio State’s struggles against mobile quarterbacks.
On paper, the Buckeyes appear poised for victory. They’ve thrived on the speed of receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, complemented by the power running of TreVeyon Henderson. The defense, led by a ferocious pass rush, has been nothing short of dominant.
“Right now, they’re playing at their peak,” Thompson proclamed. “It’s hard to see Texas keeping up if Ohio State lands a few early punches.”
But Texas is no pushover. Ranked 10th in the country against the run and second only to Ohio State in pass defense, the Longhorns have the tools to make this a tight contest. “They’re talented enough to play with us, even if they haven’t put it all together yet,” Wilds cautioned.
The podcast consensus leaned toward a Buckeyes victory, though opinions varied on the margin. Some predicted a tight three- to seven-point win, while others envisioned a late surge leading to a double-digit victory.
As the Buckeyes don scarlet jerseys against a talented yet vulnerable Texas team, one thing is clear: they’re ready for a street fight, and they’re playing to win the whole thing.
