Daily News 19

Tag: Ohio State Buckeyes

  • Steve Sarkisian Echoes Nick Saban, Urges CFP Committee Not to Overreact to Texas Longhorns’ Big Win

    Steve Sarkisian Echoes Nick Saban, Urges CFP Committee Not to Overreact to Texas Longhorns’ Big Win

    Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is urging the College Football Playoff selection committee to avoid penalizing Ohio State following the Buckeyes’ narrow 24-23 road loss to his No. 4 team in Austin last Saturday. The dramatic comeback victory, engineered by quarterback Arch Manning, vaulted Texas to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll while Ohio State tumbled five places to No. 6.

    Sarkisian Advocates for “Quality Loss” Consideration

    During his Monday press conference, Sarkisian made a forceful case that the CFP committee should evaluate Ohio State’s performance in context rather than simply reacting to the result. The Longhorns coach emphasized the difficulty of winning in the hostile, late-summer environment at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

    “I hope Ohio State doesn’t get punished for playing that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game. It’s 24-23. They lose with us scoring with 25 seconds left to go in the game. I hope, if they end up being a 9-3 team, that the committee can appreciate 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. They should not be punished… Quite frankly, Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this type of game against us”

    Historical Context Shapes Coach’s Perspective

    Sarkisian’s stance is informed by recent history. He referenced Texas’s season-opening visit to Ohio State in 2023, a game the Longhorns lost narrowly on the road. Sarkisian felt that competitive loss was not adequately valued by the CFP committee last season, contributing to Texas’s exclusion from the playoff. He is now advocating for a consistent standard that rewards teams for scheduling and competing in high-stakes non-conference matchups.

    Alignment with Broader Coaching Sentiment

    The Longhorns coach’s argument mirrors comments made by former Alabama head coach Nick Saban during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast last weekend. Saban emphasized that “quality losses” — competitive defeats against elite opposition — deserve greater weight in the committee’s evaluation process. Sarkisian’s public support for this framework signals a growing consensus among top-tier programs that the current selection methodology may undervalue strength of schedule and game competitiveness.

    With the expanded 12-team playoff format debuting this season, the definition of a “quality loss” and its impact on at-large bids will be a central storyline throughout the campaign. Sarkisian’s early advocacy sets the tone for how Texas — and potentially other programs — will frame their resumes come selection Sunday.

  • Sarkisian: Ohio State Should Be Rewarded for Playing Texas

    Sarkisian: Ohio State Should Be Rewarded for Playing Texas

    Steve Sarkisian Urges CFP Committee to Reward Ohio State for Nonconference Road Test

    AUSTIN, Texas — Following a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that the Buckeyes should be rewarded for scheduling a marquee nonconference matchup.

    “I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game. I mean, it’s 24-23, they lose to us scoring with 25 seconds to go in the game,” Sarkisian said. “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.”

    Sarkisian referenced last season, when a College Football Playoff spot hinged on Texas’ early 14-7 loss to Ohio State in Columbus.

    “Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us,” Sarkisian said Monday. “Time will tell. And this isn’t crying over spilled milk. I don’t think we got rewarded for going to Columbus last year in Week 1. Hopefully, this year they reward Ohio State for coming and playing in this game with us.”

    Ohio State fell to No. 6 in The Associated Press Top 25 after the loss. Sarkisian acknowledged the conversation becomes moot if the Buckeyes finish 11-1, but emphasized his program actively seeks high-stakes games. He noted the Texas brand attracts national television interest and that his roster is built for these moments.

    “That’s why you come to Texas, to play in these big games,” Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning said Monday. “I think it helps our team, builds confidence that we can win in any way. We can be down, we can be not playing well, but we can find ways to win. I think that’s what builds confidence in those big games.”

    After Texas scored 21 points in the final quarter to secure the win, Manning sprinted across the field in celebration as the clock expired.

    “That was the most fun ending to a game I’ve ever had,” he said. “I did not know what to do. I was just running around.”

    Sarkisian: Heavyweight Matchups Must Be Valued, Not Penalized

    Sarkisian framed the broader issue: marquee nonconference games should strengthen a team’s resume rather than damage it.

    “Everybody loves those matchups,” Sarkisian said. “Well, if we want to continue with those matchups, we’ve got to reward the teams for playing in those games … because if they don’t reward them for playing in the game, then all of us start playing FCS, [Group of] 6, and then I don’t think that’s the product that we want in college football.”

    He contrasted college football’s subjective selection process with the NFL’s objective criteria.

    “We’re not the NFL where it’s all based on, ‘What’s your record? Who did you beat?’” he said. “You make the playoffs based off of opinions of others, essentially, unless you win your conference.”

    Texas Reaches No. 1 in AP Poll; Sarkisian Preaches Focus

    The victory propelled the Longhorns to No. 1 in this week’s AP poll, marking the third consecutive season Texas has held the top spot. Sarkisian downplayed the ranking two games into the season.

    “A week ago, the narrative was we can’t win the big game,” Sarkisian said. “How are we going to beat Ohio State? What are we going to do? Now we’re the best team in the country allegedly and everybody’s patting us on the back. Two polar opposites of where we are. We need to stay right here, and we need to stay enamored with what we need to do.”

  • Matthew McConaughey Helps Arch Manning Navigate Rising Fame at Texas

    Matthew McConaughey Helps Arch Manning Navigate Rising Fame at Texas

    Arch Manning’s second season as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback is off to a strong start. In his opening game, he threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, though an interception prevented a flawless stat line. The schedule now ramps up significantly with a matchup against the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a contest that likely represents the toughest test of the year for the young signal-caller. A victory would cement his status as a campus legend, elevating him from a notable figure to a true Longhorns superstar—an honor he appears indifferent to chasing.

    Manning’s Reluctance Toward the Spotlight

    In a recent feature by ESPN’s Chuck Culpepper, Manning comes across as a player uncomfortable with fame. As his grandfather, Archie Manning, puts it, “he likes low-key”. That preference is difficult to maintain for the face of one of college football’s most visible programs. To help navigate the unavoidable attention, Manning has turned to an unexpected mentor: Matthew McConaughey.

    McConaughey’s Counsel on Handling Fame

    The Oscar-winning actor and notable Longhorns supporter has played a pivotal role in helping Manning manage his rising profile. Manning detailed their conversations in the Culpepper interview.

    > “But you know, I’ve grown to accept what it is, accept who I am, and make the most out of it, and just kind of expect everything. I had a good talk with Matthew McConaughey, and he’s kind of helped me navigate that area of my life, and he said, ‘You know, don’t be surprised by anything. Take everything with a grain of salt. Accept everything. There’s no escaping it. It’s only gonna get worse, the better you play. So, accept everything.’”

    If Manning develops into the elite quarterback many project, the scrutiny will only intensify. Whether he welcomes it or not, he must reconcile with that reality. Based on his recent comments, it appears he is internalizing McConaughey’s advice and learning to embrace the inevitable glare of the spotlight.

  • ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    College GameDay Heads to Austin for Week 2 of 40th Season

    ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot travels to Austin, Texas, for Week 2 of its 40th season, broadcasting live from the lawn of the LBJ Presidential Library at The University of Texas. The show airs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN, ESPNU, Disney+, and the ESPN App, ahead of a high-stakes primetime matchup as No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

    Celebrity Guest Picker Glen Powell Returns

    Actor Glen Powell, currently completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and set to graduate this spring, returns as celebrity guest picker. His appearance comes one week after Season 2 of Chad Powers debuted on Hulu on Disney+. Powell previously served as celebrity guest picker during Week 2 of the 2022 season, also a Texas home game against No. 1 Alabama, going 7-5 with his picks that week.

    Texas Hosts Ohio State in Primetime Showdown

    Texas will host College GameDay for the 11th time, carrying a 5-5 record in previous hosting appearances — including a Week 2 matchup in 2006 against No. 1 Ohio State, a game the Buckeyes won 24-7. Saturday’s show marks Texas’ 29th all-time appearance on the program. Ohio State extends its own record with its 69th College GameDay appearance.

    GameDay Cast and Record-Setting Start

    Host Rece Davis is at the helm for his 12th season, joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. College football insider Pete Thamel, college football analyst “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims round out the GameDay cast for the 2026 college football season.

    Coming off its most-watched season ever, College GameDay is off to another record-setting start. Last week’s episode delivered the show’s second-highest season debut on record and ranks among its top three regular-season episodes all time.

    Show Highlights & Guests

    • Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian joins College GameDay live on set ahead of the No. 4 Longhorns’ home game against No. 1 Ohio State (7:30 p.m. on ABC).
    • Oregon head coach Dan Lanning joins College GameDay live from Stillwater ahead of the Ducks’ showdown against Oklahoma State.
    • The GameDay Film Room with Nick Saban, the seven-time national champion and legendary college football head coach, returns. This week, Saban breaks down how Oklahoma’s defense shut down Michigan’s offense in last year’s meeting ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

    Feature Segments

    “The Man in the Red Bandanna”

    Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player and volunteer firefighter, was working at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, when two hijacked airplanes struck the twin towers. Twenty-five years later, his heroism and legacy endure through one of the most powerful traditions in sports: Boston College football’s Red Bandanna Game.

    “Arch Manning”

    Since birth, Arch Manning has been enrolled in a masterclass on the hardest position in sports, taught by the family who knows it better than anyone else — his own. As Arch begins his junior campaign under center for the Texas Longhorns, the world is watching to see if he can carry the Manning family mantle and accomplish what none in his lineage have: win a national championship. Pete Thamel reports.

    “Boise State’s Blue Turf”

    Forty years ago, a decision made in a small corner of the country sent shockwaves across college football, changing the identity of a school forever and creating one of the most iconic symbols in the sport. Jen Lada takes viewers inside the bold choice to play ball at Boise State University on what has become known as “The Blue.” Jen Lada reports.

    “Points Means Pushups”

    Starting the season in mid-season form is no easy task — a reality that applies as much to mascots and cheer squads as it does to players, particularly those asked to perform push-ups and more for every point their program scores. Jess Sims puts her Peloton expertise to work helping some of those struggling out of the gates. Jess Sims reports.

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest Returns

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest, a fan-favorite segment, returns to College GameDay for its fourth season, with The Home Depot coming on as the Presenting Sponsor. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to be selected from the onsite pit and attempt a 33-yard field goal. Throughout his time on the show, McAfee has awarded more than $6 million of his own money through contest prizes and charitable donations. Full details, including official rules, can be found here.

    Extra Yard for Teachers Week Kicks Off

    The College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers and ESPN’s Take Back Sports will kick off Extra Yard for Teachers Week, with celebrations running from Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 19. As in years past, ESPN will celebrate educators across its programming with on-air and social content, encouraging viewers to nominate outstanding teachers at CFP-Foundation.org. ESPN commentators will also distribute DonorsChoose gift cards to deserving educators, and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will spotlight teachers during its Week 3 show at Ole Miss. Together, the College Football Playoff Foundation and ESPN have invested more than $4 million since 2014 to support teachers and coaches.

    ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt Comes to Austin

    The ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt continues in Austin, giving fans an interactive way to engage with the show throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s live broadcast. The contest opened Wednesday, Sept. 9, via a dedicated digital microsite. Fans can complete one challenge per day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with tasks ranging from snapping photos at campus landmarks to answering trivia about past editions of College GameDay.

    Fifteen winners will be selected at random from participants who complete all three tasks. Each winner, plus one guest, receives access to a premium seating area near the front of the College GameDay broadcast within camera view and exclusive College GameDay merchandise. Additional participants will also win official ESPN College GameDay merchandise.

    ESPN collaborated with experiential agency Assembli on the interactive digital and on-site fan experience, with Flowcode connecting the initiative inside the new College Football ESPN Fan House.

    Countdown to GameDay Returns

    Harry Douglas and Harry Lyles Jr. return for their fifth season as co-hosts of ESPN’s social and digital pre-pregame show, Countdown to GameDay, with Sims joining the duo this season as a co-host, reporting live from the College GameDay site each week. The show is available weekly at 8:20 a.m. across ESPN on YouTube, Facebook, and the ESPN App.