Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Downplays Home Advantage in Upcoming Cotton Bowl
The Texas Longhorns are gearing up to face off against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Cotton Bowl Classic. Despite the game being held in AT&T Stadium, relatively close to Texas’ home base, coach Steve Sarkisian is hesitant to acknowledge a home-field advantage.
In a recent press conference, Sarkisian addressed the notion that the game would essentially be a home game for the Longhorns. “I think both schools get the same number of tickets,” he said. “From that point, who’s going to buy the rest? We’ve got a great fan base that travels, and I know Ohio State’s got a great fan base that travels.”
Sarkisian’s cautious approach may be a strategic move to avoid overconfidence and maintain focus on the task at hand. While it’s true that both teams will receive an equal allocation of tickets, Texas’ proximity to the venue could still result in a more significant turnout from Longhorns fans.
The crowd’s dynamics could play a crucial role in the game’s outcome. A strong showing from Texas fans might provide an energizing boost to the team, potentially offsetting Ohio State’s formidable offense. However, Sarkisian’s comments suggest that he’s not taking anything for granted and is preparing his team for a challenging contest.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum recently expressed skepticism about Texas’ chances, citing Ohio State’s impressive performance and the Longhorns’ struggles in recent games. “Ohio State’s like Mike Tyson was at his peak,” Finebaum said. “Texas is formidable, but that first quarter will be fascinating to watch. If Ohio State is struggling, then we will have a game. Otherwise, watch out.”
The Cotton Bowl is set to kick off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the stakes are high. Will Texas be able to capitalize on their familiarity with the venue and silence their critics, or will Ohio State’s momentum prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell.
