Steve Sarkisian addresses belief that Texas has a home game in College Football Playoff semifinal

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are readying for the Semifinals of the College Football Playoff, where they’ll meet Ohio State inside AT&T Stadium at the Cotton Bowl Classic.

With the close proximity of the game to Texas’ home base, at least compared to the Buckeyes, many have proclaimed it’ll be a home atmosphere for the Longhorns. Sarkisian decided against believing in that narrative though, as he prepares his team for a battle with Ohio State at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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“I think both schools get the same number of tickets,” Sarkisian said, dispelling the notion of the showdown being a virtual home game for the Longhorns, via a press conference ahead of the Cotton Bowl. “I’m not certain. But I think everybody gets the same number of tickets. From that point, who’s going to buy the rest? You know, and I know we’ve got a great fan base that travels. I know Ohio State’s got a great fan base that travels.

“So, I don’t know. If it was at DKR, I’d probably say something — that would be like a home game. But you know, it is what it is.”

As you can tell, Sarkisian is playing coy about whether there could be a Texas takeover at the Cotton Bowl. While Ohio State’s fanbase does indeed travel well, it’d still be a little surprising to see the Buckeyes out-draw the Longhorns in their home state.

Perhaps the crowd being on Texas’ side will be paramount to their success on Friday evening though. At the moment, many are riding with the hype behind Ohio State, including ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who pointed out how they might be peaking at the right time, and there’s nothing you can do to stop the Buckeyes.

“Ohio State’s like Mike Tyson was at his peak,” Finebaum said, via The Matt Barrie Show. “I mean, you couldn’t even walk out the middle of the ring before you were getting knocked out. And that’s where they are. And you know, Texas let Clemson back in the game. They should have blown Georgia out in the SEC Championship, and they just simply couldn’t score a touchdown. They had to settle for field goals. 

“It’s hard to really believe in them. Quinn Ewers, for all the criticism, he has made some unbelievable plays this year. You saw it the other day, but he also leaves something to be desired. I think 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.”

Time will tell whether Texas can handle Ohio State, but it’ll all be settled during the Cotton Bowl this week. It’ll all kickoff on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET between the two impressive programs.