The Reward for Playing Big in College Football

When Steve Sarkisian was asked about Ohio State’s punishment following their loss to Texas, he made a statement that resonated deeply with anyone who’s ever been involved in a high-stakes matchup. As the head coach of the Longhorns, Sarkisian has seen firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level and knows that sometimes you have to take calculated risks to reap the rewards.

The College Football Playoff committee is often criticized for its opaque decision-making process, but in this case, their focus on protecting their own reputation seems clear. Sarkisian’s comments about Ohio State being “rewarded” for playing Texas were a thinly veiled criticism of the committee’s priorities.

Sarkisian’s message isn’t just about Ohio State; it’s about the entire culture of college football. When teams like Texas and Ohio State agree to play each other, they’re making a statement about what they value most as programs: winning big over padding their win-loss records.

The sport has always been driven by the desire for spectacle and competition, but what’s changed is the way teams approach these matchups. Gone are the days when teams would schedule inferior opponents to pad their records. Today, programs like Texas and Ohio State are willing to take on anyone, anywhere, as long as it’s a game that will draw attention.

Sarkisian notes that playing in big games builds confidence in his team, a sentiment shared by many coaches who understand the importance of testing themselves against the best opponents. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about developing the mental toughness and resilience needed to succeed at the highest level.

As the Longhorns continue their season, they’ll face even tougher challenges ahead. While Sarkisian’s comments may have been aimed at the College Football Playoff committee, they’re also a reminder that teams like Texas will always be judged on their willingness to take risks and play big. If they want to stay among the elite programs in college football, they’ll need to continue scheduling games against teams like Ohio State – even if it means taking on associated risks.

The real question is whether the College Football Playoff committee will take Sarkisian’s message to heart. Will they start rewarding teams for playing big, or will they stick to their current formula? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than ever in college football, and only the bravest and most willing teams will come out on top.