Senator Ted Cruz has never been one to shy away from a little political sparring, but on Saturday night, he traded the Senate floor for a football field showdown—and came out on top. After the Texas Longhorns pulled off a jaw-dropping 24-23 comeback victory over Ohio State, Cruz took to social media with a simple, pointed message: "What curse?"
The taunt was directed at fans who have long accused the Texas senator of bringing bad luck to his favorite teams. Cruz was a visible presence at the game, but his reception was far from warm. Earlier in the day, during an appearance on ESPN's "College GameDay," the senator was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. He was there to discuss the Protect College Sports bill, arguing that college athletics are in a state of crisis and need reform. The hostility didn't faze him, though, as he later made his way to the stadium to watch the action unfold.
For three quarters, it looked like the critics might be right. The Longhorns were sluggish, trailing by as many as 20 points, and the Buckeyes seemed to be cruising. But Texas flipped a switch in the final frame, mounting a furious rally that culminated in a game-winning score. The victory was the biggest of Steve Sarkisian's tenure in Austin, and it sent shockwaves through the college football world.
Cruz, never one to miss an opportunity, wasted no time in rubbing salt in the wound. His tweet was a direct response to the naysayers who had pointed to his presence as a jinx. "What curse?" he wrote, encapsulating the sweet taste of vindication.
The senator's history with Texas sports has been a mixed bag, with some memorable losses occurring under his watch. But Saturday night was a different story. The Longhorns' comeback was the stuff of legend, and Cruz was there to witness it all. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the mood in the stadium shifted from despair to euphoria, and Cruz was right in the middle of it.
This game will be remembered for its dramatic finish, but also for the Buckeyes' catastrophic fourth-quarter collapse. Ohio State's offense, which had been explosive all night, suddenly went cold, and Texas capitalized on every opportunity. The Longhorns' defense, which had been gashed in the first half, stiffened when it mattered most, forcing key stops and giving the offense a chance to shine.
For Texas, the win improves their record to 2-0 and solidifies their status as a national contender. The Longhorns will likely welcome Cruz back with open arms, given his newfound role as a good-luck charm. But for Ohio State fans, the memory of Cruz's taunt will sting for a while. After all, it's not every day that a senator gets the last laugh in such emphatic fashion.
As for Cruz, he's probably already planning his next appearance. With a win like that under his belt, why wouldn't he? The "curse" is officially lifted, and the senator is basking in the glory of a college GameDay atmosphere that turned from hostile to celebratory in a matter of minutes.
