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Terrell Owens Thinks the College Football Playoff is ‘Rigged’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 1, 2025 5:13 PM ET

Legendary NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens has a close eye on the College Football Playoff battle between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl. And one specific call has the Hall of Famer believing the CFP games are "rigged."

On Arizona State's final drive of regulation, quarterback Sam Leavitt hit wide receiver Melquan Stovall for a 10-yard gain or 3rd-and-15. However, Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe, in an attempt to stop the Sun Devils from picking up a first, hit a defenseless Stovall in a helmet-to-helmet collision. The play was under review for a targeting penalty, but the officials elected not to throw a flag.

Arizona State was forced to punt, giving the Longhorns a chance to win. But they missed a go-ahead field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter. If the call was made in the Sun Devils' favor, they would have been in prime position to attempt a game-winning field goal of their own.

After the questionable decision by the officials, Owens, who played for multiple NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, took to social media to call out the College Football Playoff for its "rigged" games.

"Watching this @TexasFootball @ASU game and just watched a textbook “targeting” play get reviewed and determined by the review booth that it wasn’t," Owens wrote on X. "I’m really beginning to think the games are rigged. Compare that hit alot of targeting hits throughout the year and I’ve seen less get upheld."

Watching this @TexasFootball @ASU game and just watched a textbook “targeting” play get reviewed and determined by the review booth that it wasn’t. I’m really beginning to think the games are rigged. Compare that hit alot of targeting hits throughout the year and I’ve seen less…
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) January 1, 2025

Arizona State took the Peach Bowl into overtime thanks to the heroics of running back Cam Skattebo. The star recorded over 100 rushing yards, a 42-yard passing touchdown nearly 100 receiving yards. An all-around performance from the All-American.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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