Winter Storm Cora Threatens Cotton Bowl as Ohio State, Texas Prepare for Semifinal Clash

Winter Storm Cora has thrown a wrench into travel plans for fans heading to the Cotton Bowl, where No. 5 Ohio State will face No. 8 Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The winner will advance to the national championship game, but icy conditions and flight cancellations have raised concerns about delays and fan attendance.

According to the Dallas Dispatch, hundreds of flights into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were canceled due to the storm, which is expected to bring two to five inches of snow and sleet to the area. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth warned that while road conditions should improve by 6 p.m. on game day, overnight freezing could create hazardous travel conditions for fans heading to the stadium.

Pat McAfee, a prominent sports commentator, expressed concerns about flying into Dallas for the game. His co-host, A.J. Hawk, noted that local authorities were brining the streets to prevent ice buildup. McAfee quipped, “If they are using some new s**t that they created in a lab to stop ice from taking over streets, I’m about it. I think we as a society should have figured this out already.”

Despite the weather challenges, the Cotton Bowl Classic is still scheduled to proceed as planned, with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Both teams are undefeated in the College Football Playoff this season. Texas secured victories over Clemson and Arizona State, while Ohio State dominated Tennessee and Oregon in their playoff matchups.

Fans are encouraged to monitor weather updates and plan accordingly, as the storm could impact travel to and from the stadium. The game promises to be a thrilling showdown, with a spot in the national championship on the line.