The Ohio State football program surprised many by nixing a home-and-home series against Pac-12 powerhouse Washington that was scheduled for 2024 and 2025. After much speculation, a reason has been given – though it’s about what one would expect.
CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd reported that the decision to cancel the series was the school’s reaction to an impending tougher schedule that will feature USC and UCLA starting in 2024.
“Sources: The Ohio State cancellation of Washington was nothing more than a reaction to a tougher conference schedule with the addition of USC and UCLA,” Dodd wrote. “Don’t read anything more into it.”
Some see the move as an act of cowardice and are asserting that Ohio State fears a potential loss to Washington getting in the way of their national title ambitions.
As for the Buckeyes themselves, athletic director Gene Smith confirmed in a statement that the Buckeyes initiated the cancellation and intends to replace the previously scheduled road game with a home game.
“We initiated the cancellation,” Smith said. “I have the utmost respect for the University of Washington and for Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen, and this was a very difficult call to make. Consistent with the terms of the contract, we will be responsible for the $500,000 cancellation penalty that has to be paid by February 2025. As a result of the cancellation, we will add an eighth home game for the 2024 season, affording us the opportunity to have the funding to pay the penalty and guarantee for that eighth opponent.”
Given that record always seems to take priority over strength of victory in the College Football Playoff, it seems likely that we’re going to start seeing teams schedule less impactful non-conference games for the foreseeable future.
Will this become a trend?