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Cotton Bowl Referees Accused Of 'Rigging' Ohio State vs. Texas

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 8:55 PM ET

What would a College Football Playoff game be without complaints about the officiating?

The refs at last night's Orange Bowl took heat for some of their calls--and non-calls--in Notre Dame's 27-24 win over Penn State. Tonight, Ohio State and Texas are meeting at the Cotton Bowl with a berth in the national title game on the line, and every single flag is being heavily scrutinized. One particular non-penalty in the second quarter caused a minor uproar on social media.

It happened on a third down throw by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers down the left sideline to wide receiver Ryan Wingo. The throw was off-target and incomplete, but it did appear that Wingo was held on the play.

No flag was thrown though, prompting some viewers to complain that the contest is "rigged."

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 10: General view of the stadium prior to the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Texas Longhorns College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

"How do they not call PI on that? College football is rigged," one observer complained.

"Jersey pull clear as day? We got a f------ rigged game! #CottonBowlGame," a Michigan fan lamented.

"Yea this is rigged bro. Wingo just got his jersey material ripped off and no flag #CFBPlayoff," a third person said.

"So that gets called on ND yesterday but the exact same holding play doesn’t get called tonight? #Texas #rigged #OhioState," a fourth person chimed in.

"College football is more rigged than the NFL," a fifth commenter added.

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: The Good year logo placed on a display during the 88th annual Cotton Bowl game between the Missouri Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday, December 29, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

To be fair, the refs have called plenty of penalties on Ohio State. In fact, so far the Buckeyes have been flagged four times for 40 yards against only two penalties for 19 yards against Texas.

As always, fans accusing referees of "rigging" games are mostly just frustrated, either because of rooting or betting interests. We don't think this officiating crew is trying to deliver the Cotton Bowl for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes currently lead Texas 7-0 late in the second quarter. Quinshon Judkins' first-quarter touchdown run is the difference between the two teams.

You can watch the game on ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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