Although the Ohio State Buckeyes won’t be part of the College Football Playoff this season, their journey continues. This Friday, they will compete against the No. 9 Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, presenting an opportunity to secure a New Year’s Six Bowl victory and achieve their first 12-win season since 2019. Despite lacking the usual Playoff implications, this chance holds significant meaning for both Ryan Day and the program
Ryan Day emphasized the importance of winning the Cotton Bowl for the people of Ohio, the university, and the team. While the game may not have the typical Playoff stakes, it carries considerable weight for Ohio State. The players share this enthusiasm for the opportunity, evident in the fact that many, even those in consideration for early NFL Draft selections, have not opted out of the game. While some may still choose to opt out, currently, the majority of the starting lineup is expected to be intact on Friday.
Xavier Johnson expressed the team’s excitement about performing on a grand stage at AT&T Stadium, emphasizing the significance of seizing this opportunity and giving their best effort. Although it may not be the usual Playoff stage, facing a top-10 SEC team in a New Year’s Six bowl game at AT&T Stadium represents a substantial challenge and a significant platform for the Buckeyes.
Despite the absence of Playoff implications, the Buckeyes are gearing up for this notable challenge. Ryan Day acknowledged the anticipated difficulty of the Cotton Bowl matchup but emphasized their readiness for the upcoming contest.
