The stakes are high for the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Two college football powerhouses will square off in Friday night's Cotton Bowl Classic for a spot in the national championship later this month.
The contest also calls for significant bragging rights between two of the biggest names in politics: Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
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Sen. Ted Cruz (left) and then-Sen. J.D. Vance looks on at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, March 2, 2023, in National Harbor, Maryland. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Cruz, of course, is from Texas, while Vance is from Ohio and is an outwardly identified fan of the Buckeyes.
With the game fast approaching, Cruise offered Vance a friendly bet on X.
“@JDVance, would you be interested in betting on the Utah-Ohio State game? The loser would bring beer and food from their home state and deliver it while wearing the winning jersey?” Cruz wrote. #HookEm” was also posted.
Vance exuded confidence in his Buckeyes.
“So what Texas ice cream should I have Ted bring if the Buckeyes win?'' Vance replied. He added: “Let me be clear: @tedcruz, you're in!”
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) after the electoral votes were certified during a joint session of Congress to certify the 2024 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2025. ) reacts. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Boise State's Ashton Jeanty decided to be drafted in the NFL after historic season
Before the season started, Vance said this year's Ohio State team “might be the best I've ever seen.” They appear to have abated their two losses this season, to Oregon State (who they beat in the quarterfinals) and unranked Michigan State.
The Buckeyes earned the No. 8 seed in the playoffs as Oregon and Penn State competed for the Big Ten title game. Top-seeded Oregon State remained undefeated on the season until losing to the Buckeyes last week, and No. 6 Penn State will play No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.
Cruz's Longhorns came within a hair of the SEC title game and earned the No. 5 seed, but the No. 2 seed received an automatic bye to Georgia, which lost to the Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks at the election night watch party at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (LM Otero/AP)
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Texas has never made it past the semifinals, while Ohio State is in its sixth playoff appearance and seeking its third championship appearance since the playoffs were introduced.
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