Sarkisian Makes His Case for Ohio State's CFP Reward

When Big Games Define a Season

I've been covering college football long enough to know that when you're dealing with top-ranked teams, everything changes. The stakes rise, the pressure intensifies, and suddenly, the game becomes more than just points on a scoreboard—it becomes a defining moment for both teams involved. That's exactly what happened Saturday night in Austin when the Texas Longhorns pulled off a miraculous 24-23 comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State, setting off a wave of emotions and conversations across the sport.

"I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night," Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said after the victory. "They played a heck of a game. I mean, it's 24-23, they lose to us scoring with 25 seconds to go in the game."

Sarkisian didn't mince words. He made it clear that the Buckeyes' effort—especially playing in an environment where temperatures soared to 100 degrees and against a Texas team that thrives on such pressure—deserved recognition, not punishment.

Big Plays, Bigger Impact

But what's really driving this conversation isn't just the result of one game. It's how these kinds of contests shape the rest of the season and even the College Football Playoff picture. As I've often observed in my reporting, games like this one aren't anomalies—they're part of a system that rewards teams who dare to play in the trenches when it matters most.

Last year, Sarkisian made headlines for saying Texas shouldn't be penalized for losing early in the season to Ohio State. He wasn't just talking about past games—he was speaking to the broader philosophy of college football: that a strong performance under pressure should be rewarded, not punished. That's why it's so crucial to recognize what Ohio State did in Austin.

The College Football Playoff Reality Check

For those unfamiliar with how the playoff system works, let me break it down simply: unlike the NFL or NBA, where records and performance are straightforward metrics, college football's playoff selection process is largely based on a committee's opinion. That means even if a team like Ohio State ends up with an 11-1 record and a loss to Texas, their chances of getting a bid aren't guaranteed.

That's the heart of the issue here. As Sarkisian rightly pointed out, “We're not the NFL where it's all based on, 'What's your record? Who did you beat?'”

Building Confidence Through Contrast

It's not just about reward—it's about building character. Longhorn quarterback Arch Manning captured the spirit of the team perfectly after the game: “I think it helps our team, builds confidence that we can win in any way.” When your team is down, when everything seems to go wrong, and you still find a way to win, that's what college football legends are made of.

Arch's words are telling. It's easy to talk about resilience in theory, but watching a team like Texas rise from behind and finish strong gives real-life proof of that concept. And the best part? The players know they can rely on their teammates in moments like these—because they've been tested before.

Big Games Are the Heartbeat of College Football

Let's face it—college football has always lived and breathed through big games. From the early days of the Cotton Bowl to today's Peach Bowl showdowns, these marquee matchups are what keep fans engaged and teams hungry. But here's where the tension lies: if we start punishing teams for playing in these kinds of contests, we risk diminishing their value.

When a program like Ohio State takes the field in a game that could define its season—and potentially impact the playoff chances—it should be celebrated, not penalized. It's what makes college football so compelling, and why the CFP committee must remember: these games are a product of choice, not just luck.

Why It Matters Now

The current season is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With Texas now ranked No. 1 in the AP poll for the third consecutive year, and teams like Oregon tumbling down the rankings, the conversation about fairness in college football is more urgent than ever.

But as much as I admire Texas's rise, I also understand that it doesn't mean anything without consistency. Sarkisian knows this too—he's been in the trenches long enough to know that one big win doesn't erase the need for continued excellence. The Longhorns may be No. 1 today, but tomorrow they'll be back in the game, facing another challenge, another high-stakes moment.

Conclusion: Rewarding Excellence, Not Just Outcomes

In my experience, there's no better way to judge a season than by how a team handles adversity. The Buckeyes showed grit and determination in Austin—and they should be recognized for it. That's not just about optics; it's about ensuring that future seasons continue to feature the kind of games that excite fans, build confidence in players, and showcase the very best of college football.

Sarkisian's message is clear: if we want big games to remain a cornerstone of our sport, then we must reward those who show up when it matters most. And Ohio State? They definitely showed up—and they deserve more than just a loss in their record book.