Texas made it a clean sweep of Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. In addition to defeating the Buckeyes 24-21 in the game, a group of six Texas fans outlasted the Buckeye bunch to win a scholarship for their school in the Tostitos Race to the Bowl.
A team of Texas fans answered a Fiesta Bowl trivia question correctly to win $200,000 for their university, while Ohio State's team earned $50,000.
A sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl since 1996, Tostitos created the Race to the Bowl to provide competition between the devoted followers of the two programs, said Chris Kuechenmeister, director of public relations for Tostitos.
"We've had a long history of supporting college football and the Fiesta Bowl," he said. "We've always been inspired by the diehard, true blue college football fans and really wanted to try to recognize and celebrate them this year with an experience that they'll remember and share for years to come."
Each team consisted of six players, selected by Tostitos from a process that started on Facebook. More than 1,000 fans submitted a photo and essay to prove their school pride before finalists were interviewed.
The chosen contestants competed in the six-day trip, which was nothing short of incredible, said Jay Klauminzer Jr., Ohio State team captain.
"Starting this whole thing, representing Ohio State in this whirlwind of a journey, to win a huge scholarship, which could help lots and lots of people, it's been completely fantastic," he said.
The contest commenced in New York City, where, in the first of five total events, each team threw three footballs at a designated target to result in a tie. With lights, cameras and a crowd watching, Klauminzer realized the magnitude of the competition.
"We were actually live on national TV, with all of the microphones and cameras and fans," he said. "Just being out there and kicking off an event like that was awesome."
Each team learned the details of the subsequent event just minutes before each competition began.
For the second challenge, the teams paraded the streets of New York, singing their respective fight songs in hopes of raising more money than their opponents. Texas earned about $25 more than Ohio State, and therefore took an early edge in the overall competition.
The second event demonstrated the passion and enthusiasm that the Race to the Bowl represents, said Texas team captain Dani Peebles.
"My favorite event was running the streets in New York and singing," Peebles said. "I love getting people to be passionate about what I'm passionate about, and we really did that. We got a lot of people on the streets of New York to come out and support us, and it was a great feeling."
Each team departed New York to return to their respective cities of Columbus and Austin for the third event. The contestants recruited local fans to paint their faces in scarlet and gray or burnt orange. Texas fared victorious yet again.
Ohio State landed its first victory in Las Vegas in a challenge that required contestants to move a giant football back and forth across a field.
The excitement and dedication shown throughout the contest illustrates the fans' loyalty to each university, Peebles said.
"It's about representing our school and showing the pride that we have and sharing it across the country," she said. "We have met a lot of Texas fans and supporters. Everybody loves Texas in Austin, but when you're [away from Austin}, and meet somebody that has the same passion as you do, it's a cool feeling."
Texas' success in the events gave the team a head start in the final event, a timed obstacle course. The fans clad in burnt orange crossed the finish line ahead of the scarlet and gray to take home the ultimate prize.
The race's administrators couldn't have been happier with the participating schools, Kuechenmeister said.
"They're obviously two great schools, two great football programs, and have a huge following among students, alumni and fans," he said. "We couldn't be more pleased to have two such teams involved with us this year."
Winning the scholarship meant a lot to the Texas alumni, said Texas team member Tiffany Fogarty.
"You're always looking for a way to give back to your school," she said. "It's a great thing to help future graduates get the education and experience that has been instilled in us and makes us so proud and passionate to be affiliated with the University of Texas."
Although competitive and spirited, the rivalry between the two squads was more friendly than cutthroat, said Jay Klauminzer Sr., who played for Ohio State under former head coach Woody Hayes.
"It's been good, clean fun," he said. "We've had back and forth's with each other and all, but it's been a great thing."
Neither team is ready to surrender the title of most passionate fans.
"Ohio State does have great fans," Peebles said. "We've met a lot of them and they're very passionate about their team. However, I don't think Ohio State got any tips on the streets of New York from any Texas fans, whereas, our first $10 tip was from an Ohio State fan. As far as loyalty is concerned, that gives them a little bit of a damper. Everything's bigger in Texas. We have people to support us at all times."
Ohio State isn't ready to crown the Longhorns as the best fans.
"I'll say this straight faced with the Texas fans in the room: Ohio State has much better fans," the younger Klauminzer said. "Not only do we draw well, but you walk down the streets of Las Vegas and yell out an 'O-H' and you'll inevitably get an 'I-O.' It happened in New York and it happens in Columbus too, obviously. It happened on my honeymoon in Australia. Ohio State fans are far more passionate, so we have better fans."
Zack Meisel can be reached at meisel.14@osu.edu.
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