The stage is nearly set in Columbus as Ohio State gears up for a colossal matchup against Texas on Saturday afternoon. It promises to be one of the biggest opening games ever played at Ohio Stadium, with the top-ranked Longhorns coming in looking for payback.
Just nine months ago, the Buckeyes handed Texas a stinging defeat in the Cotton Bowl. Ever since, the Longhorns have had this return trip circled on their calendar. Armed with one of the most talented rosters in college football, Texas arrives as the nation’s No. 1 team, a ranking that speaks for itself.
But before the ball is even kicked, the Buckeyes are facing an obstacle.
SEC Officials Assigned to Officiate
Despite the game being hosted in Big Ten country, the officiating crew will come from the SEC. For many Ohio State fans, that feels like a built-in advantage for Texas. A neutral crew from the ACC or Big 12 might have made more sense, but that won’t be the case this weekend.
The frustration comes in part from last season, when Ohio State went nearly the entire year without seeing a single holding call in its favor—until the College Football Playoff. Skepticism is already running high about how Saturday’s game might be called.
If anyone should have gotten the assignment, it would have been Big Ten officials inside the Shoe. Instead, SEC referees are making the trip north, and Buckeye fans are bracing for a tough whistle in their own house.
Talent Should Outweigh the Whistle
Ultimately, officiating shouldn’t decide this matchup. The Buckeyes are deep, explosive, and versatile enough to execute their game plan regardless of who’s holding the flag. Led by a loaded offense, Ohio State has the tools to go toe-to-toe with Texas, even if the breaks don’t all go their way.
Still, this entire situation could have been avoided. Both fan bases would have likely welcomed a neutral crew. Instead, with SEC officials in charge, Texas may get the benefit of the doubt on 50/50 calls—something Ohio State must prepare to overcome.
Either way, when toe meets leather on Saturday, all eyes will be on the Shoe for one of the biggest opening-weekend showdowns in recent memory.
