College Football Referees Blatantly Rigged Texas vs Ohio State
College Football Referees Blatantly Rigged Texas vs Ohio State
The Cotton Bowl controversy has ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans accusing referees of favoring Ohio State over Texas. The intense scrutiny comes after officials failed to penalize Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day for entering the field during a critical play.
This incident has drawn comparisons to a similar situation in the Sugar Bowl, where Georgia faced consequences for sideline interference.
The debate intensified when Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer returned a fumble for an 83-yard touchdown, giving the Buckeyes a significant lead.
As Sawyer raced down the field, Day was seen on the playing surface, raising questions about consistency in officiating. The lack of a penalty against Ohio State has fueled speculation among fans about potential bias in the game’s outcome.
So just to confirm, Parker Jones got universally mocked for having just one foot into the white last week, right? pic.twitter.com/VDMrFNKlgl
— Jeff Ostenson (@jeffostenson) January 11, 2025
Texas Fan Goes Viral During Ohio State Loss https://t.co/anYxodL6zD
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 11, 2025
Ryan Day’s Sideline Behavior Sparks Controversy
Ryan Day’s actions during the Cotton Bowl game between Ohio State and Texas caused quite a stir. While the Buckeyes’ head coach didn’t make physical contact with an official, his presence on the field raised questions about potential penalties.
Some viewers felt Day should have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The incident occurred after Ohio State gained possession from Texas and ran the ball in for a touchdown. Day was seen on the field during the play, which typically warrants a penalty.
Beautiful Ohio State Fan Goes Viral During Texas Win https://t.co/BATl5xFmVV
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 11, 2025
Had officials called the infraction, Ohio State would have retained possession, but the touchdown would have been nullified. The lack of a penalty led to debate about consistency in NCAA refereeing.
Social media buzzed with comments about the officiating:
- “Erratic refereeing. There needs to be consistency among referees in all conferences.”
- “This football game was the worst reffed game I saw all season.”
The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about enforcement of sideline rules. While coaches often step onto the field during exciting moments, the line between acceptable enthusiasm and rule violations can be blurry.
In this case, referees likely considered the context of the play – a sudden change of possession followed by a score – when deciding not to penalize Day. Nevertheless, the incident reignited calls for clearer guidelines and more uniform application of rules across college football.
Championship Showdown
Notre Dame and Ohio State are now set to clash in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This highly anticipated matchup features two of college football’s most storied programs, each bringing their own unique strengths to the field.
The Buckeyes secured their spot in the final after a convincing 28-14 victory over Texas in the semifinals. Notre Dame, meanwhile, edged out Penn State 27-24 in a thrilling contest to earn their chance at the national title.
Both teams boast formidable defenses, setting the stage for a potentially low-scoring affair. Ohio State’s roster is brimming with NFL-caliber talent, a testament to head coach Ryan Day’s recruiting prowess. However, Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish have displayed remarkable teamwork throughout the season, giving them a real shot at claiming the championship.
The quarterback duel will be a focal point of the game. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard has proven to be a dual-threat, particularly effective in short-yardage situations. He’s tallied 16 rushing touchdowns this season, including a crucial score in the semifinal victory. Leonard’s passing has been inconsistent at times, but he’s delivered when it matters most during the playoff run.
Ohio State’s Will Howard has faced his share of challenges, notably in the loss to Michigan. However, he’s bounced back strong in the playoffs. Howard possesses the physical tools to succeed at the next level, though he can be prone to mechanical flaws under pressure.
Both quarterbacks are set to showcase their skills at the upcoming Senior Bowl, adding another layer of intrigue to their matchup.
The Buckeyes hold a significant edge in offensive firepower. Their receiving corps is headlined by Emeka Egbuka, who returned for another season and has shown marked improvement. Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith provides explosive playmaking ability, while sophomore Carnell Tate led the team in receiving during the semifinal.
Ohio State’s ground game is equally potent. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson bring a mix of power, balance, and speed to the backfield. Henderson’s 75-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass against Texas highlighted his game-breaking potential.
The Buckeyes’ offensive line has weathered some injury setbacks but has held up well in the playoffs. Donovan Jackson has adapted admirably to his new role at left tackle.
Notre Dame’s defense will have its hands full containing this high-powered offense. The Fighting Irish boast several NFL prospects on this side of the ball. Defensive tackle Howard Cross III anchors the front line, while linebacker Jack Kiser’s instincts and run-stopping ability make him a key player to watch.
In the secondary, safety Xavier Watts has been a standout performer with six interceptions on the season. Slot cornerback Jordan Clark adds depth to a unit that will be tested throughout the game.
Ohio State’s defense is equally impressive. The secondary is led by sophomore safety Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama who sealed the semifinal win with a timely interception. Veterans Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, and Jordan Hancock round out a formidable defensive backfield.
The Buckeyes’ front seven is particularly menacing. Edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau form a relentless duo, excelling against both the run and pass. Sawyer’s strip-sack and fumble return for a touchdown proved to be the decisive play in the semifinal victory over Texas.
Inside, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton provide a stout presence against the run.
This championship matchup has all the makings of a classic. Both teams feature elite talent on both sides of the ball, setting the stage for a strategic battle between two of college football’s top coaching minds. The outcome may well hinge on which team can impose its will in the trenches and limit costly turnovers.
As the first national championship game of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff era, this contest between Notre Dame and Ohio State promises to be a fitting showcase for the sport’s biggest stage.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
