Top 3 Texas special team players to watch out for in Cotton Bowl ft. Bert Auburn 

The College Football Playoff semifinal stage is set as the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Both teams bring rich histories and stellar performances to this blue-blood semifinal. The Texas Longhorns, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, enter this game after a thrilling double-overtime victory over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes enter the game after a dominating win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 10.

Top 3 Texas special team players in the Cotton Bowl

Special teams are often the X factor in close games, and the Cotton Bowl promises to be no exception. Here is a closer look at Texas’ top three special team players to watch out for in the college football semifinals.

#1 Bert Auburn (Kicker)

Bert Auburn, the kicker for the Longhorns, has delivered solid performances this season. His field goal accuracy rate is 64.0%, and his longest field goal is 49 yards.

Auburn has been perfect on extra-point attempts, showing his consistency in crucial situations. With a total of 112 points scored this season, his contributions will be key for Texas in the high-stakes Cotton Bowl.

Over three seasons as Texas' starting kicker, Auburn has shown resilience, bouncing back from challenging outings. Notably, he has only had three games with multiple missed field goals during his tenure.

His perfect record on PATs this season underscores his reliability in converting extra points, making him a player to watch in this high-pressure environment.

#2 Silas Bolden (Punt Returner)

Silas Bolden’s electrifying playmaking ability has been a highlight for the Longhorns this season. Bolden made a game-changing impact during the Peach Bowl against Arizona State with a spectacular 75-yard punt return touchdown. Starting with a deft sidestep to evade the initial tackler, Bolden’s speed and vision allowed him to cut through defenders, leaving them in his wake.

This season, he has recorded 22 receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown. Bolden averages an impressive 11.0 yards per return, showcasing his ability to gain crucial yardage. His speed and agility make him a constant threat on special teams.

Bolden’s knack for delivering big plays on special teams makes him a key asset. Whether it’s evading defenders or finding gaps in coverage, his agility and explosiveness will be crucial against Ohio State.

#3 Michael Kern (Punter)

Michael Kern is the punter for the Longhorns and has executed 35 punts with an impressive average of 41.2 yards per punt. His longest punt of the season traveled 57 yards, showcasing his powerful leg.

A former All-America honoree and one of the nation’s top-rated punters, Kern has consistently delivered for Texas. Kern has demonstrated the ability to flip field position, a critical factor in games of this magnitude, especially in high-stakes games like the Cotton Bowl.

Kern’s skill in pinning opponents deep in their territory could be decisive in limiting Ohio State’s high-powered offense.