In a thrilling double overtime battle, the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns triumphed over the No. 4 seed Arizona State Sun Devils with a score of 39-31 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This hard-fought victory propels Texas to the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they will face off against No. 8 seed Ohio State, who showcased their dominance by defeating Oregon 41-21 in their quarterfinal matchup.
The upcoming Cotton Bowl marks a significant moment for the Longhorns, as it has been since 2003 that they last participated in this prestigious game. Additionally, it has been over a decade since Texas and Ohio State have clashed on the field, with their last encounter dating back to 2009. Unsurprisingly, tickets for the 89th annual Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington sold out within just one day, signaling the high demand and excitement surrounding this matchup.
If you’re hoping to catch the underdog Longhorns take on the formidable Buckeyes, there are resale options available, though they come at steep prices. For instance, Ticketmaster lists prices starting at $422, with premium seats reaching upwards of $4,000, while StubHub offers some tickets in the upper levels for high $300s to low $400s.
The Cotton Bowl is set for Friday, January 10, 2025, with kickoff slated for 6:30 PM CT. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN or stream it on ESPN+.
As the Longhorns prepare to face Ohio State, they find themselves as the underdogs for the first time this season. Analysts are predicting a challenging game, as many believe Ohio State’s current performance outshines Texas, who narrowly clinched their previous victory. Most predictions favor Ohio State to move forward to the National Championship.
The winner of this anticipated Cotton Bowl matchup will advance to face the victor of Penn State vs. Notre Dame/Georgia in the National Championship on Monday, January 20, in Atlanta.
Historically, the rivalry between Ohio State and Texas has produced thrilling contests, with Texas edging out victories in previous matchups, including their unforgettable 2005 win that led to their undefeated season. The upcoming game promises to bring an exciting narrative, with Texas aiming to overcome the odds once again.
As fans gear up for this clash, it serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of competition in college football, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and make their mark.
In summary, the upcoming Cotton Bowl Classic between Texas and Ohio State not only brings hope for an exciting game but also sparks nostalgia for their past encounters and the unpredictable nature of college football, where anything can happen on game day.