Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian expects to face “the best team in college football” and will do everything he can to ensure that his team can defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.
In a recent press conference, Sarkisian addressed the upcoming College Football Playoff semifinal matchup and pointed out Buckeyes QB Will Howard as a talented but often overlooked quarterback.
Texas’ Steve Sarkisian Praises Ohio State QB Will Howard Ahead of Cotton Bowl
Ohio State has spent much of the season being underrated and oftentimes insulted despite only losing twice. Their loss to their rival Michigan opened the door for critics to blast the Buckeyes, with some even calling for head coach Ryan Day to be fired.
Ohio State’s performance in the CFP, however, has silenced the naysayers. Now, the Buckeyes are regarded with concern by national title hopefuls, the Longhorns the foremost among them.
For Sarkisian, there is no room for delusion. He knows exactly who he’s up against and won’t be taking any chances. Sarkisian has taken particular interest in Ohio State’s Howard, who — like Texas QB Quinn Ewers — is often the subject of heavy criticism.
Steve Sarkisian on Will Howard: "He's a much better athlete than people give him credit for. He snapped off a 70-yard touchdown run against us a few years ago, so he has good speed. He's got great poise and composure in the pocket."
Mentions he's bright, and he throws catchable…
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) January 3, 2025
Sarkisian, however, sees things differently.
“He’s a much better athlete than people give him credit for,” Sarkisian said. “He snapped off a 70-yard touchdown run against us a few years ago, so he has good speed. He’s got great poise and composure in the pocket.”
Howard’s talent shined in Ohio State’s last win against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes beat the Ducks 41-21, with Howard completing 17 of 26 passing attempts for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Sarkisian Urges ‘Longhorn Nation’ To Help Improve Chances of Winning Cotton Bowl
Sarkisian has spoken extensively about how dangerous Ohio State is, heaping praise on the team to a point that is unnatural for the charismatic Texas head coach. Some have speculated that this may be a ploy to trick the Buckeyes into relaxing as they head into the game.
Regardless, the Longhorns are entering the Cotton Bowl as underdogs, and Sarkisian is using every resource at his disposal to ensure a victory come Jan 10.
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In his weekly Zoom press conference, Sarkisian appealed to Texas fans to show up to the game and support their team.
“I need Longhorn Nation to show out in Arlington. We’re going to need everything we’ve got to try to win this game. Clearly, we’re massive underdogs. Nobody’s going to give us a shot. So we’re going to need all that we can to try to win this game.”
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