Texas coach says Ohio State deserves credit for taking on marquee non‑conference clash

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Ohio State’s willingness to schedule a high‑profile non‑conference game after the Longhorns edged the Buckeyes 24‑23 in a dramatic comeback, according to ESPN. The Longhorns rallied late in the fourth quarter to overturn a one‑point deficit, a result that left both programs reflecting on the stakes of such matchups.

The game unfolded as a seesaw battle. Ohio State built a 23‑10 lead early in the second half, but Texas answered with a quick touchdown and a successful two‑point conversion to close the gap. A late field goal by Texas gave them a 24‑23 lead with under two minutes remaining, and the Buckeyes were unable to answer before the clock expired. The narrow margin underscored the intensity of the contest and highlighted the fine line between victory and defeat in college football’s marquee non‑conference games.

Sarkisian, speaking on the sidelines after the final whistle, said the Buckeyes “should be rewarded for playing a marquee matchup in a non‑conference game.” He emphasized that Ohio State’s willingness to travel to Austin and test itself against a top‑ten opponent reflects the spirit of competition that fans cherish, ESPN reported. The coach’s comments were aimed at acknowledging the risk Ohio State took rather than diminishing Texas’s win.

Non‑conference games like this one have grown increasingly significant in the College Football Playoff era. Historically, Ohio State and Texas have met only a handful of times, most notably in the 2006 Rose Bowl, where the Buckeyes won 41‑38. Scheduling such a game provides both teams a chance to bolster their résumés against elite competition, potentially influencing rankings and playoff considerations. For Ohio State, a win would have cemented its claim to a top‑five spot, while a loss still keeps the Buckeyes in contention due to the strength of schedule.

Looking ahead, Ohio State returns to the Big Ten with a narrow defeat that could serve as motivation for upcoming conference battles. Texas, meanwhile, hopes the victory will propel them into the top ten and improve their bowl prospects. Both programs will likely use the experience to fine‑tune their strategies as the season progresses toward conference championships.

Sarkisian’s remarks add a layer of respect to a game that could have easily been reduced to a simple win‑loss column. By highlighting the value of taking on a formidable opponent, he underscores a broader narrative in college football: the importance of challenging games in shaping a team’s identity and postseason fate.