Following a week of criticism for omitting the national anthem during the Sugar Bowl broadcast, ESPN aired a pre-game prayer at the Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas. The prayer, delivered by Fred McClure, former chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, invoked blessings for the players, acknowledged those affected by the California wildfires and the New Orleans terrorist attack, and called for unity and respect.

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 10, 2025. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

The prayer's broadcast comes after ESPN faced significant backlash for not airing the national anthem before the Sugar Bowl, which was postponed due to the New Orleans attack. The network later aired the anthem on "SportsCenter" and ensured its inclusion before the Orange Bowl, but the move was perceived by many as insufficient. Ohio State ultimately triumphed over Texas, securing their place in the national championship game against Notre Dame.

Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) celebrates a touchdown with teammate Jake Majors (65) during the Cotton Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

ESPN wasn't alone in facing criticism related to the Sugar Bowl. Allstate CEO Tom Wilson's video message addressing the New Orleans attack and promoting unity and acceptance drew considerable negative reaction, with some viewers threatening to cancel their Allstate policies. The video was subsequently removed from Allstate's social media platforms.

General view of AT&T Stadium before the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, 2025. (William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)