Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has a message for the people who will eventually judge Ohio State’s College Football Playoff résumé following the Longhorns’ comeback victory over the Buckeyes in Week 2.
On Saturday, Texas erased a 20-point deficit to beat Ohio State 24-23 in Austin, sending the Longhorns to No. 1 and dropping the Buckeyes from No. 1 to No. 6 in the AP Top 25.
During his media availability on Monday, Sarkisian argued that the quality of the matchup should matter when assessing Ohio State’s campaign at the end of the season.
“I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night,” Sarkisian said. “They played a heck of a game. I mean, it’s 24-23. They lose on us scoring with 25 seconds to go in the game.
“I hope, if they end up being a 9-3 team, the committee can appreciate the fact that they came to Austin, Texas, in September when it was 100 degrees and played us in that environment, and played a heck of a game.”
“Quite frankly, Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us,” Sarkisian finished.
That message followed Sarkisian’s postgame comments pointing out the differences between how different programs schedule their matchups, with some of them choosing multiple overmatched opponents.
“We could be like other teams and play Jones Junior High and win 66-0,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t know what that does for us. Tonight we found out that we can (win big games).”
ALSO SEE: College Football Playoff 12-Team Projections After Week 2
Sarkisian’s comments track back to last year, as Texas traveled to Columbus and lost 14-7 before finishing 9-3 and missing the College Football Playoff. He believes the Longhorns did not receive enough credit for accepting that challenge.
“This isn’t crying over spilled milk,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think we got rewarded for going to Columbus last year in Week 1.”
No. 1 Texas hosts UTSA next weekend, while No. 6 Ohio State hosts Kent State.
The Best of Texas Longhorns Football
- 10 Greatest Football Players in Texas Longhorns History
- 5 Greatest Quarterbacks in Texas Longhorns History
- 5 Greatest Running Backs in Texas Longhorns History
- 5 Greatest Wide Receivers in Texas Longhorns History
- 5 Greatest Defensive Players in Texas Longhorns History
