Ohio State sits at the top of the college football world not just as a favorite for the national championship, but also holding a rather unique record. According to recent stats, Ohio State ranks last—yes, 134th—in opponent penalties per game. If you’ve watched the Buckeyes this season, you might have caught onto it: their opponents are getting flagged for an average of just 3.6 penalties, racking up a mere 27.4 yards per contest.
As they gear up for a heavyweight semifinal clash against Texas in the Cotton Bowl, the lack of holding calls against opposing offenses has been the buzz around the Buckeyes camp. Some might even call it the silent elephant in the room swinging the momentum in their games.
Ohio State’s linebacker, Sonny Styles, acknowledged the stat that’s been circling like a hawk. “Yeah, we’re aware of the stat,” Styles mentioned earlier this week. But in true gridiron warrior fashion, he downplayed the significance, saying, “You’ve got to just play through it. Just let your talent take over. Don’t let it come down to a ref’s decision.”
But not everyone on the team is playing it cool. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams expressed frustration over referees not spotting what seems obvious on tape every weekend. “I think our whole D-line gets held every game,” Williams emphasized. He raised the question many Ohio State fans have: Why aren’t these holds being called? Social media sleuths have backed him up, circulating images from their Rose Bowl clash with Oregon that flag some clear holding that flew under the refs’ radar.
Despite these missed calls, the Buckeyes’ defense, especially along the line, has been nothing short of ferocious. Just to put things into perspective, they’ve racked up a jaw-dropping 12 sacks and 57 pressures in their College Football Playoff victories over Tennessee and Oregon, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s the kind of production that begs the question: Are opposing lines just getting away with one too many holding offenses?
Williams also commented on potential bias by suggesting a reason for the lapses, “I don’t know if it’s because we’re Ohio State, letting things go or what it is, but it’s been pretty bad.” His tone hinted at a possible reluctance from officials to call penalties against such a high-profile program.
Texas, meanwhile, comes into the Cotton Bowl matchup sitting 93rd in opponent penalties per game. Not stellar, but they’ve seen their fair share of yellow flags—averaging 5.4 penalties per contest against them. With a potent defense that has notched 44 sacks this season, they’ve managed to draw an impressive 14 holding calls their way.
As these two powerhouses clash, it remains to be seen whether the officials will keep that yellow flag tucked away or start ringing the alarm on those holds. Either way, expect fireworks, grit, and maybe even a few more reasons for fans to shout at their screens. Football, after all, is a game of inches and whistles, both blown and swallowed.
