Why Texas may upset Ohio State: 3 Longhorns strengths in College Football Playoff

Texas football will enjoy some of the comforts of home when it takes on Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

Bevo, UT’s live longhorn mascot, will be in attendance for the Cotton Bowl inside Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. And Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is hoping a CFP game within the borders of the Lone Star State can give the Longhorns (12-2) a home-field advantage when they meet the Buckeyes (13-2) on Friday (6:30 p.m., ESPN).

“We’re going to need our fans,” Sarkisian said Friday. “We’re going to need our fans’ support. 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.”

Will it be enough? Let’s make the case for a Texas victory.

Texas vs Ohio State: Buckeyes QB Will Howard has never beaten the Longhorns

Will Howard, the fifth-year signal-caller for Ohio State, got three shots at Texas during his career at Kansas State. The Longhorns sent him home with a loss on all three occasions, blowing out the Wildcats in 2020 before securing narrow victories in 2021 and 2023.

Howard’s personal success in those games has been mixed. He turned it over twice in 2020, then failed to reach 100 yards passing in 2021. In 2023, he was outstanding. Howard passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns at Royal-Memorial Stadium.

His 32 passing touchdowns this season lead the Big Ten. He’s completed 72.6% of his passes for 3,490 yards.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised Howard’s athleticism, too. He’s totaled just 165 rushing yards this season, but has over 1,000 yards on the ground for his career.

“He’s got intention,” Sarkisian said Friday. “He’s got athletic ability. And then his ability to throw a catchable ball. I’ve seen that now for a few years. He throws passes where they need to be thrown, and guys make plays for him. And his poise and composure in critical moments is something that has been very impressive as well.”