The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal showdown at the Cotton Bowl in North Texas. Both teams arrived in the Dallas area ahead of an impending winter storm, with the game set to take place indoors at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
For Texas, this marks their 16th game of the season, having navigated through a challenging schedule that included the SEC championship game and two additional playoff games. All-America cornerback Jahdae Barron expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete so close to their campus in Austin.
Ohio State, on the other hand, is looking to secure a spot in the national championship game after a successful playoff run that saw them avenge key losses and secure a playoff berth as the eighth seed. The Buckeyes are no strangers to the Cotton Bowl, having played in the same venue last year.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers of Texas reflected on the team's previous playoff experience, emphasizing their determination to make a stronger showing this time around. The Longhorns are drawing on their past successes in big games, with many players having competed in high-stakes matchups at AT&T Stadium during their high school careers.
For Ewers, the upcoming game against Ohio State holds personal significance, as he looks to lead his team to victory against his former school. The matchup represents a full-circle moment for the talented quarterback.
As both teams prepare for the semifinal clash, players like Emeke Egbuka of Ohio State acknowledge the challenges of a demanding playoff schedule but remain focused and determined to succeed. The stakes are high as the Longhorns and Buckeyes vie for a chance to advance to the national championship game in Atlanta on January 20.
