Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Requests NACC to Limit Ohio State Fans at Cotton Bowl Classic
In a surprising move ahead of the highly anticipated Cotton Bowl Classic, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has requested that the National Association of College Athletics (NACC) reduce the number of Ohio State fans allowed to attend the upcoming game. The classic bowl game, scheduled for later this month, will feature a high-stakes matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes, but tensions are rising over ticket allocation.
Sarkisian’s request stems from concerns over the imbalance in fan attendance between the two schools. The NACC initially set aside a significant portion of tickets for Ohio State’s fanbase, a decision that has drawn attention from Texas supporters. Sarkisian believes that allowing an overwhelming number of Ohio State fans to fill the stadium could shift the atmosphere in favor of the Buckeyes, potentially impacting the competitive integrity of the game.
“I think it’s important that the Cotton Bowl Classic be a true home-field experience for Texas,” Sarkisian said during a press conference. “The energy in the stadium is critical for us, and we need our fans to be able to fill the seats. We’re asking that the NACC take this into account and ensure that the fan split reflects the spirit of the game.”
While Ohio State is a dominant force in college football, Sarkisian’s call for a reduced presence of their fans in the stands underscores his desire to give his team an advantage in a matchup that has already garnered national attention. Many Longhorns fans have rallied behind their coach’s stance, believing that having more Texas fans in the stadium will give the team a psychological edge.
The NACC is expected to review the request in the coming days. While the outcome remains uncertain, the move has already sparked significant debate among college football communities. Both schools’ fanbases are eagerly awaiting clarification on the matter as the Cotton Bowl Classic draws closer.