There is no way around it for Ohio State and Ryan Day; the loss to Texas was brutal. Up 23-3 going into the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes couldn't hold on, giving up 21 unanswered points to end the game. It was a historic collapse, as it was the first time in program history that Ohio State had lost a game after being up by 17 points or more at halftime. Not the first fans were hoping for after more than 135 years of playing football.
But at least one person who saw the action firsthand doesn't think the Buckeyes should be penalized. Longhorn head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke in favor of Day's club after the hard-fought battle, saying, "Ohio State should be rewarded for playing this game." It was a bit of an attitude change for Sark, who had made
comments earlier in the season that suggested Texas should not play marquee matchups like this in the future.
🚨 Steve Sarkisian says the CFP should reward Ohio State for going to Austin and playing a Top 5 opponent in 100° heat to open the season.
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) September 14, 2026
Do you agree with Sark? pic.twitter.com/wYgStGJorX
Of course, Sarkisian's comments may be somewhat self-serving. The Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff last year after opening the season in Columbus with a 14-7 loss and finishing the regular season with a 9-3 record. Sark argued that Texas shouldn't be punished for going to Ohio State and going toe-to-toe with a great team. However, that wasn't the game that kept his team out of the playoff. It was an inexcusable loss to a 4-8 Florida Gators team.
Selfish motives or not, it probably doesn't hurt to have the positivity thrown the Buckeyes way. With such a long season ahead, Day has plenty of time to get things right with a team that has as much talent as anyone. As bad as the loss to Texas hurts, another playoff run and chance at a national title is still well within reach for this Ohio State team.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian throws Ohio State and Ryan Day a bone
