Sarkisian: Ohio St. should be rewarded for playing Texas
After a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the Buckeyes should be rewarded for playing a marquee matchup in a nonconference game.
The comments from Steve Sarkisian are significant because they highlight the importance of scheduling tough nonconference games in college football. By acknowledging that Ohio State should be rewarded for playing Texas, Sarkisian is essentially endorsing the idea that teams should be incentivized to take on challenging opponents outside of their conference. This mindset matters because it can lead to more exciting and competitive matchups for fans, and also better prepare teams for the postseason.
Sarkisian's statement also speaks to the broader context of college football's postseason selection process. The College Football Playoff committee has consistently emphasized the importance of strength of schedule when evaluating teams for the playoff. By playing and competing against top-notch opponents like Texas, Ohio State can bolster its resume and improve its chances of making the playoff. This is a key consideration for coaches like Sarkisian and Ryan Day, who must balance the desire to win games with the need to challenge their teams and build their postseason credentials.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the College Football Playoff committee responds to Ohio State's schedule, including its game against Texas. Will the Buckeyes be rewarded for their willingness to take on a tough nonconference opponent, or will they be penalized for the close call against the Longhorns? Coaches and fans will be watching closely to see how this plays out, and it could have significant implications for the postseason landscape.
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.