Sarkisian Stands by Ohio State: A CFP Message That Hits Hard

What Happened on the Field

When you're down 20-3 in the first half, and your opponent scores with just 25 seconds left to play, that's not just a loss—it's a gut punch. That's exactly what happened to Ohio State when Texas pulled off a miraculous comeback in their early-season clash, winning 24-23 in front of a raucous Austin crowd. For the Buckeyes, it was a devastating blow to their No. 1 ranking and their hopes of staying atop the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape.

But as soon as the dust settled, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian didn't waste any time in offering his honest take: I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night,” he said to reporters. It was a statement that went far beyond simple sportsmanship—it was a bold call to the CFP committee to consider context.

Sarkisian's Message: “They should not be punished. Quite frankly, Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us.”

He wasn't just talking about a single game—he was making a statement about how CFP selections are made and who gets recognized for the tough road they take.

The Heart of the Matter: Context Over Results

When I first watched that game, I couldn't help but think—how many teams have faced similar early-season adversity? The reality is, there's no such thing as a clean slate in college football. You're either winning or learning how to adapt under pressure.

Sarkisian made it clear that Ohio State played under brutal conditions. It was 100 degrees in Austin. It wasn't just about the score—it was about the environment, the adversity, and the way teams respond when they're on the edge of collapse. In my book, those are exactly the kinds of games that should be rewarded, not punished.

And let's not forget—Texas didn't come out of nowhere. They were ranked too, but their win in the first week wasn't just a flash in the pan. It was a testament to their resilience and tactical execution. Still, I understand why some people might feel Ohio State was dealt a raw deal.

The CFP Dilemma: A New Kind of Fair Play

What really caught my attention was Sarkisian's warning about the future of college football if the CFP committee continues to rely solely on win-loss records or head-to-head matchups. He pointed out a troubling trend: If teams don't get rewarded for playing tough early games, then they might start playing FCS Power Six games,” he said.

In other words, the current format of college football isn't incentivizing teams to take on high-stakes matchups in the first weeks of the season. If you look at it from a business standpoint, that's not good for viewership or competitive balance. We want college football to be exciting, and we want the most deserving teams to rise to the top.

So, I'm rooting for Ohio State here. They were ranked No. 1 in the nation before this game—because they had shown consistent performance over a long season. But now, after facing one of the toughest environments possible, it's time to look at what really matters: the way a team handled pressure, how they adapted, and whether they're ready for the next round.

Backstory: The Texas-Ohio State Rivalry Is Deeper Than Ever

The 2025 season had already been a rollercoaster for both programs. When Texas faced Ohio State in Week 1, they lost 14-7. That loss didn't define their season—though it did give a slight edge to the Buckeyes at the time.

This year's game was different. Texas came back with a vengeance, and while it may not have been the most polished performance, it showed exactly what makes this rivalry so compelling. It's not just about who wins—it's about how they handle adversity.

I'll be honest: I expected Texas to win this game, but not in such a dramatic way. The Longhorns' ability to stay composed under pressure was something that reminded me of great teams—teams that thrive when the stakes are highest. And Ohio State, despite their loss, showed exactly how much heart they have.

What This Means for the CFP

This moment gives us a chance to reflect on what makes a team worthy of a playoff spot. It's not just about the final score or who you beat—it's about how you handle challenges, how you respond in moments of crisis, and whether your record reflects the true nature of your season.

Ohio State isn't going down without a fight. In fact, I think they're more motivated than ever to prove themselves in the coming weeks. This loss doesn't define them; it will only make them stronger in the long run.

But here's what we must remember: the CFP is supposed to be about showcasing the best teams in college football. If we keep punishing those who play in tough conditions or face adversity head-on, then we're doing a disservice to the sport and to fans who want to see real competition.

My Take on the Future of College Football

Sarkisian's words are more than just a coach defending his opponent—they're a call for fairness in the system. The CFP committee needs to consider not just wins and losses, but also the circumstances under which those games were played.

We've seen teams like Georgia and Alabama rise to the top because they faced pressure, overcame adversity, and made plays when it mattered most. Ohio State is no different. Their journey to the CFP isn't over—it's just beginning.

As fans, we should be cheering for these kinds of games. They're what make college football so special. We're not just watching teams compete—we're watching heart, determination, and strategy come together in a way that defines the sport.

So yes, Ohio State lost. But they didn't lose their place in the conversation. In fact, they might be more relevant than ever before.