This Friday, Texas and Ohio State will clash at the Cotton Bowl, marking a significant anniversary as it will be the first time these two storied programs have met in 20 years. Their previous encounter occurred in 2005, when they faced off for the first time in a thrilling matchup that contributed to both university’s legacies.
The matchup holds historical importance in college football, as it featured two of the nation’s elite teams. The Longhorns were ranked No. 2, while the Buckeyes held the No. 4 spot. ESPN’s “College GameDay” and ABC’s pregame show were both present in Columbus for what was hailed as one of the best regular season games of the 2005 season. This was particularly significant during the BCS era, when teams could ill afford to lose games early in the season.
In the 2005 game, the spotlight shone on quarterbacks Vince Young and Troy Smith, both of whom were key figures in their teams’ successes. Young would finish as a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy that year, while Smith would go on to win the prestigious award the following season. Their performances were pivotal, with Texas managing a comeback to win the game 25-22, despite facing challenges including turnovers.
The Longhorns leaped ahead early, scoring first with a field goal before extending their lead to 10-0 with Young’s touchdown pass. However, the Buckeyes rallied, with Smith leading Ohio State to take the lead into halftime. The match turned into a defensive battle, with both teams trading field goals until a late surge from Texas secured their victory.
One of the game’s standout moments was a touchdown pass from Young to Limas Sweed, which remains etched in Longhorn lore. The victory marked a historic milestone for Texas, as it was the first time a nonconference team had defeated Ohio State on their home turf since 1990, halting a 36-game winning streak against such opponents.
As Texas prepares for this year’s game, it promises to be an electrifying contest at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the national championship game. Given their shared history, this matchup not only represents a reunion of old rivals but also serves as a chance for these programs to renew their fierce competition on the national stage. Football fans are eagerly anticipating what could be yet another classic showdown full of talent and excitement.