The Cotton Bowl has become familiar territory for Ohio State. Familiarity has not softened the moment. It has sharpened it.
Cornerback Lorenzo Styles did not dwell on the setting when asked about being back in Dallas. His response sounded less like reflection and more like confirmation. The voice of a team that believes it understands exactly what January requires.
“The hospitality has been great,” Styles said. “We’ve been here a couple times, so we know our job. We’re coming here on a mission. We’re ready to go.”
That mission begins with discipline. On tape, Styles saw an offense built on speed and decision making. A seasoned quarterback. Explosive playmakers. A group capable of punishing mistakes if given space or time.
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For Ohio State, the answer is structure. The secondary has to hold up. The front has to control the line of scrimmage. Each unit has to trust the other. Nothing extra. Nothing reckless.
Sonny Styles spoke from a deeper place. Not just preparation, but identity.
Growing up in Pickerington, Ohio, being a Buckeye was never abstract. It was lived. Watching Ezekiel Elliott and Cardale Jones. Seeing national championships celebrated as part of the culture. Gold pants as something earned and respected.
“Those were my superheroes growing up,” Styles said. “Now I’m in their shoes.”
That awareness shapes how Ohio State carries itself when the calendar turns. Last season’s playoff run taught the roster how to survive the emotional swings that define postseason football.
“When you are in the playoffs, there are ebbs and flows,” Styles said. “It’s a 60 minute game. I don’t think our team mentally wavers.”
Styles credited the simplification under Matt Patricia for allowing players to react instead of hesitate. “If you have to think about what you’re doing or what your assignment is you’re going to play too slow,” Styles said.
Three straight trips to the Cotton Bowl have not dulled the moment. They have defined it.
“Each year we came here it’s the biggest game of the year,” Styles said. “Doesn’t really matter where the bowl game is. Put the ball down and play our absolute best.”
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