Steve Sarkisian: Texas is a “Massive Underdog” in the Cotton Bowl, while OSU is the “Best Team in CFB”
The stage is set for one of college football’s most anticipated matchups: the Texas Longhorns vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. With both teams bringing unique strengths to the field, expectations are high for a game that will likely have major implications on the national championship race. However, while the Texas Longhorns come into the game with a mix of optimism and excitement, their head coach, Steve Sarkisian, isn’t shy about acknowledging the monumental challenge ahead. According to Sarkisian, his team enters this game as a “massive underdog,” and he considers Ohio State to be the “best team in college football.”
In his comments leading up to the matchup, Sarkisian expressed a deep respect for Ohio State’s dominance, especially under head coach Ryan Day, and the talent that the Buckeyes bring to the table. But his acknowledgment of the disparity in strength between the two teams also serves as a rallying cry for his Longhorns, who will be aiming to shock the college football world and prove their worth. The game promises to be a clash of two football powerhouses, and the narrative surrounding it is one of immense intrigue.
This article explores Steve Sarkisian’s comments, the significance of his statements, and how they reflect the realities of the upcoming Cotton Bowl matchup between Texas and Ohio State. Additionally, we will analyze the strengths of both teams, how they stack up against each other, and what Sarkisian’s admission might mean for the Longhorns’ chances to pull off the upset.
Sarkisian’s Perspective: Acknowledging Ohio State’s Dominance
When Steve Sarkisian described Texas as a “massive underdog” heading into the Cotton Bowl, he wasn’t speaking just to the media or the fans—he was also being honest about the state of his team in comparison to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long been one of the most consistent and dominant programs in college football, and Sarkisian’s acknowledgment of their status as the “best team in CFB” speaks volumes about the level of competition his squad is about to face.
Ohio State has been a powerhouse in college football for years, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the nation year after year. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have continued to build a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks, dynamic playmakers, and a defense that can keep pace with the offensive juggernaut. Ohio State’s roster is filled with future NFL stars, and the program consistently attracts some of the top recruits in the country. This combination of talent, coaching, and tradition makes Ohio State an incredibly difficult opponent for any team, including Texas.
For Sarkisian, there’s no denying Ohio State’s strength, which has been evidenced by their success in both the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Buckeyes are always in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, and their overall depth on both sides of the ball makes them a formidable foe for any team in college football.
Texas’s Journey to the Cotton Bowl: A Team on the Rise
Despite Sarkisian’s admission that his team is an underdog, there’s no question that Texas has made significant strides under his leadership. The Longhorns have been a team in transition, moving from a period of inconsistency to one where they can be considered legitimate contenders in the Big 12 and beyond. Sarkisian has brought a level of discipline, structure, and offensive innovation to Texas, and his work has shown results.
One of the standout performers for the Longhorns has been quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has proven to be one of the most promising quarterbacks in the nation. Ewers’ strong arm, poise, and ability to make plays under pressure have been key factors in Texas’s rise this season. However, Sarkisian knows that as good as Ewers has been, taking on a powerhouse like Ohio State requires more than just individual talent. It requires a team effort, and the Longhorns will need their entire roster to step up and perform at a high level.
Texas has also relied heavily on its balanced offensive attack, with a solid running game and a capable defense. Running backs like Bijan Robinson have provided stability and big plays in the running game, while the defense, led by players like linebacker Jaylan Ford and defensive lineman Byron Murphy, has done a good job of applying pressure and stopping the run.
However, when comparing Texas to Ohio State, the Buckeyes have a level of consistency and talent that is hard to match. The Big 12 has proven to be a challenging conference for Texas in recent years, with teams like Oklahoma and Baylor consistently vying for championships. While Texas has certainly made progress, taking on an Ohio State team that is stacked with talent across the board presents a new challenge.
The Key to Texas’s Success: Staying Competitive Against Ohio State
Given Sarkisian’s comments about Texas being a “massive underdog,” the question arises: what does Texas need to do to keep this game competitive, and how can they potentially pull off an upset?
- Control the Tempo: Texas needs to dictate the pace of the game. Ohio State thrives when they can get into a high-speed, high-scoring rhythm, and Texas will need to slow down the game and make Ohio State play at their tempo. Running the ball effectively with players like Bijan Robinson will be key, as this will not only help control the clock but also take some pressure off of Quinn Ewers, allowing him to make plays with shorter passes and setting up the play-action game.
- Limit Big Plays: Ohio State’s offense is built around explosive plays, particularly with weapons like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who can take over a game with a few key catches. Texas will need to limit Ohio State’s big-play ability by staying disciplined in coverage and applying pressure to quarterback Kyle McCord. The Longhorns will need to keep McCord under duress, forcing him to make mistakes or uncomfortable throws.
- Protect Quinn Ewers: The Texas offensive line must do everything they can to protect Ewers from the Buckeyes’ defensive line, which is filled with NFL-caliber pass rushers. Ewers has shown that he can perform under pressure, but a clean pocket will allow him to showcase his talent and give his playmakers a chance to make plays downfield. If Ewers is under constant pressure, Texas’s chances of staying in the game diminish significantly.
- Win the Turnover Battle: In big games like this, turnovers can often be the deciding factor. Texas must take care of the ball and create opportunities on defense by forcing Ohio State into mistakes. If the Longhorns can win the turnover battle, it will provide them with short fields and more opportunities to score, which could be the difference between a close game and a blowout.
Ohio State’s Strengths: Why They Are the “Best Team in CFB”
When Sarkisian describes Ohio State as the “best team in CFB,” it’s not just hyperbole. The Buckeyes are loaded with talent across the field, and they’ve proven time and again that they can compete with and defeat the top teams in the country.
- Offensive Firepower: Ohio State’s offense is one of the most potent in the nation, with an elite quarterback in Kyle McCord, who has matured throughout the season. His deep ball accuracy and ability to distribute the ball to his star receivers, like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, make the Buckeyes’ offense difficult to stop. Additionally, running back TreVeyon Henderson provides a balanced attack, adding an explosive element to Ohio State’s offensive scheme.
- Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense has been just as impressive as its offense. With a strong defensive line, led by players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, the Buckeyes can pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. Their secondary, which is filled with skilled cornerbacks and safeties, is adept at shutting down passing games, making it hard for opponents to move the ball through the air.
- Coaching Excellence: Under Ryan Day, Ohio State has consistently been among the top programs in the nation. Day’s ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and game plan for high-stakes matchups has made him one of the most successful coaches in college football today. Sarkisian respects Day’s leadership and understands that his Buckeyes are a well-coached, disciplined team that can execute in every phase of the game.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Cotton Bowl
As Steve Sarkisian noted, Texas enters the Cotton Bowl as a “massive underdog,” but that doesn’t mean they are without a chance. The Longhorns have the talent, coaching, and determination to make this game competitive, but they will need to play near-perfect football to take down the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. Sarkisian’s respectful acknowledgment of Ohio State’s status as the “best team in CFB” is both a recognition of their talent and a motivating factor for his team to rise to the challenge.
The Cotton Bowl matchup between Texas and Ohio State is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season, with both teams fighting for national relevance. Whether Texas can pull off the upset or Ohio State proves their dominance, this game is sure to be one to remember in the annals of college football history.
