“Just making sh*t up”: CFB fans left annoyed by Steve Sarkisian’s underdog comments ahead of exciting Cotton Bowl matchup

The Texas Longhorns are in the College Football Playoff semifinals yet again. Steve Sarkisian's team earned the berth after a close-fought encounter with the Arizona State Sun Devils. They'll face the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday.

Ahead of the game, Sarkisian told the media:

"Clearly, we're massive underdogs. Nobody's gonna give us a shot."

This comment struck a nerve among college football fans.

"Not even close to massive underdogs. Keep building a false narrative Steve," a fan tweeted.

Other fans were more understanding of Sarkisian's comments.

"Whatever helps your team get motivated," another tweeted.

"So the games begin? Aren't they 4.5-point underdogs right now? I think the Bucks are better but by no means is nobody giving them a shot," another tweeted.

Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns faceoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Cotton Bowl

The Texas Longhorns are one of four teams left in the race for this season's college football championship. Steve Sarkisian's team reached this stage with an 11-2 regular season record and two wins in the playoffs.

They were utterly dominant in their first-round game against the Clemson Tigers, recording a 38–24 win. Their second game against the Arizona State Sun Devils was a closer affair. Cam Skattebo pegged back the Longhorns and the team needed a valiant overtime effort to win.

Their opponents are the Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off knocking out the previously unbeaten Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes were phenomenal against the Ducks and limited Heisman Trophy nominee Dillon Gabriel to 299 passing yards, two touchdowns and no picks.

The Buckeyes are stacked with talent. Quarterback Will Howard, wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, and running backs Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson make up one of the most fearsome offenses in the nation. They scored a staggering 41 points on the No.1 Ducks.

Here's what you need to know about the game:

• Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
• Live stream: FuboTV and DAZN
• Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
• TV: ABC
• Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas

The Buckeyes are slight favorites going into the game, but it'll be foolhardy to underestimate Sarkisian and the Longhorns in the playoff semifinals.